In this episode, Kevin Roet sits down with fellow Climb in Flow coach, Emma Twyford. They talk about Emma’s recent ascent of Yma O Hyd — an E10 7a testpiece in the Ogwen Valley, in North Wales. For those who might not know, this was a truly groundbreaking moment.  Emma became the first British woman to climb E10 in the UK.  But what makes the story even more fascinating is the very human side behind the achievement.  The emotions, the pressure, the doubts, and the mindset it took to make it happen.

We talked about how Emma felt in the moment of completing the route, especially given that the conditions were far from ideal. She described the reality of pushing through when things weren’t perfect.  And how she managed to stay composed when the weight of expectation — mostly her own— was pressing down.  Emma opened up about the factors that helped her hold it together and ultimately succeed on a line that had been on her radar ever since James McHaffie first climbed it.

We talked in depth about her mindset, and how she manages to find that razor-sharp focus when it matters most. Emma shared what she calls her “try hard” mode — the ability to dig deep and summon the mental and physical energy required to give everything to a route. It’s not just about strength, but about managing fear, controlling doubt, and staying present on the wall.

What came across most in our conversation was Emma’s honesty. She didn’t just share the triumph of the ascent — she revealed the vulnerability that comes with climbing at this level. Pressure, fear, self-talk, doubt, confidence, perfectionism, and ultimately the quiet pride that comes from pushing through it all.

This episode offers an inspiring and honest look into what it takes Emma to push limits, break barriers, and the personal journey that happens behind the headline.