Youth Climbing Series 2009 FINAL
Report By Kevin Howett
The Youth Climbing Series Final took place at the Westway, London on Saturday 20th June. Teams selected from competitions in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England came together for this British final organised by the BMC.
With 186 competitors and accompanying eager parents and spectators, the Westway was packed to the rafters. For many of the kids it was their first experience of a final and it was the first time that Ireland had been represented making this year truly representative of the best young competition climbers in Britain.
The day was kicked off by a group warm up led by members of the British Junior Climbing Team.The kids then had all day to complete three ‘problems’ and three ‘routes’.
Rob Adie, BMC Officer said “the atmosphere was fantastic with regular cheers from the spectators from all areas of the Westway climbing centre every time a competitor topped out. After a full day of competition, everyone including the judges, the belayers, and competitors were starting to wilt slightly, but Mark Alderson, chief scorer was feverishly tapping away at his laptop adding up the scores”.
MCofS Board member Richard Spencer attended the final on behalf of MCofS. Richard said: “I've never before seen anything of competitive climbing, and confess that I've hitherto had a somewhat negative feeling about it. But I was massively impressed by the dedication of so many young people. No tobacco, no alcohol, no drugs, just hard work and quiet and concentrated enthusiasm. The devotion of the parents also was very impressive”.
Simon Tait (Ratho Instructor) was standing in for Neil McGeachy as the Area Youth Coordinator for South Scotland. He commented: “After a long hot day and a fascinating level of performance throughout Britain we came home with a first place, two second places and a third place. Our Champion on the day was Rachel Carr competing in the 11-13 category who narrowly beat Eleanor Hopkins coming second. Bring on next year!”
The North West (England) secured the Team prize, over the second placed London & SE, and Scotland North came third – their best ever team result. Ruairidh Mackenzie, Scotland North Area Youth Coordinator said: “another year and yet again I’m very proud of the kids and the way they conducted themselves and climbed. It was a super performance by the team as a whole”.
Scotland South gained a very credible 5th place.
Individual Results:
 Girls 8-101st Emily Allen 2nd Rachel Tennant (Scotland South) 3rd Gabriella Stewart (Scotland South) |
Boys 8-10 1st Jack Graham 2nd George Morris 3rd Dominic Vincent |
 Girls 11-131st Rachel Carr (Scotland South) 2nd Eleanor Hopkins (Scotland South) 3rd Nikki Addison (Scotland North) |
 Boys 11-131st Randy Roby 2nd Brendan Gallagher 3rd Dylan Mackenzie (Scotland North) |
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Girls 14-16 1st Suzie Zitter 2nd Charlotte Ellison 3rd Charlotte Garden |
Boys 14-16 1st Nathan Phillips 2nd Sean Hopkins 3rd Morgan Preece |
Team Results: Full British Results
1st England North West
2nd London and South East
3rd Scotland North
Full Results are available HERE
PICTURE GALLERY
See a selection of images from the final from Richard Spencer (coming soon)
The MCofS would like to thank all the volunteers that helped out with the rounds during the Scottish Series as well as all the other regions and the final. Without this help the competition would not be possible. They all do a fantastic job. Thanks also to the BMC for organising the British Final to round off the series.
