Elena O’Neill won the International Tree Climbing Championships, following last year’s winner, Chrissy Spence, also from New Zealand.

O’Neill claimed the world title in her first international climbing event in front of about 1,000 spectators at Loring Park, Minneapolis, Minn. on July 28.

Leading the men was German climbing standout Bernd Strasser. Americans Mark Chisholm and Dan Kraus took second and third place, respectively.

O’Neill fought her way into pole position to claim the title.

“I’m elated, overwhelmed,” she said later. “It’s a proud moment for sure, and pretty cool to represent New Zealand.”

She says her rival Spence was a big support on the final day, as well as a “few familiar faces and a few Kiwi accents” pushing her along.

Her parents flew over with her partner for support, with some ex- pat Kiwis from California joining them when they heard about the New Zealanders in the event.

Her father Kerry said the unexpected victory had left them “blown away.?EUR??,,????'?????<

“It’s just fantastic, and it’s a huge event here, with 18 women from 14 different countries.”

Next summer?EUR??,,????'?????<