On the 21st of March White Spider hosted the Youth Climbing Series Regional Final, this event pitted the top 10 Youth Climbers in each age category from the London and South East Region. With the top 3 from each Category going through to the finals in Ratho, Scotland.
Lucy Rattue From Girls Category C on her 3rd Route
The proceedings two rounds saw 10 of the White Spider performance squad qualifying for the Regional final with many making podiums. The run up to the event saw squad members putting in extra hours at the wall, training hard for those podiums which would get them to Ratho.
Holly James Making her way through the Stalictite Roof
On the day the Squad pulled out an amazing performance, the Highlight was 8 year old (Girls E) Lucy Garlick, battling it out in a Super Final on a tough 7a to take 2nd place and secure her place at Ratho.
Lucy Garlic Cruising to the Top of her 3rd Route
In Boy’s A Matt Davies and Ryan Caby has the comp of their life, climbing amazingly to secure 4th and 5th place respectively against a tough field. Likewise in Boys B Nat Hudspith and Freddy High had a great comp finishing in joint 4th and in Girls B Lucy Rattue managed a respectful 6th and Holly James 8th, and in Boy’s D Tom Kolasinksi finished 9th.
Matt Davis from Boys Category A on Route 3
With the Performance Squad competing amazingly even with a couple sick and one injured the future is looking good for next year’s competition season. The focus now shifts to GB team selection events for some of the squad and also putting their competition skills to practice on rock.
Words By:
Jon Redshaw MSc
Performance Climbing Coach
All Photos © by Evie Cotrulia
We would also like to send out a special thanks to Mountain Boot Co. for providing Grivel and Edelweiss prizes, and to Beyond Hope Climbing for providing Metolius and Rock Technology Prizes.
