Nathan Phillips – A Promising Start



Strongest start possible – Nathan flashes everything at the season opener qualifying round in Meiringen, SUI. (Photo credit – Eddie Fowke, IFSC, The Circuit Climbing)

The first 4 comps of the season have been strange ones for me. It’s hard to tell whether to be satisfied with my performances or feel like I could have done more.

The season kicked off in Meiringen, Switzerland where I climbed without fault, flashing every single boulder in the qualification round. A promising start right? Surely after this I could have a great year with multiple semi final spots and maybe some more finals. Unfortunately that has not been the case so far. In the next 3 World Cups I would finish in the same position at every one, 13th place (in my qualification group), just 3 spots out of semi finals.

Hanging out in Moscow (RUS) – no semi’s this time, but ranking points on the board. (Photo credit – Eddie Fowke, IFSC, The Circuit Climbing)

I’m ever grateful to White Spider and my other sponsors for funding my passion. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to travel to these competitions and represent my country. I always have to remind myself of that, that it is my passion and I really should appreciate all the amazing opportunities I have instead of focusing on results. If I focus on enjoyment then any good results are a bonus.

SO CLOSE – one move away from the semis. (Photo credit – Eddie Fowke – IFSC – The Circuit Climbing)

I’ve decided to miss the final round of the World Cup in Vail, USA, as for the same price I could do a month long rock trip pretty much anywhere in the world. Makes it pretty hard to justify for one competition. However, I will be at the next round in Munich, Germany this coming weekend and I’m super psyched for that. I hope I can do you all proud and break this 13th streak…

China part 2 – another strong performance, and a THIRD 13th position for Nathan in Wujiang. (Photo credit – Eddie Fowke – IFSC – The Circuit Climbing)

All photos used with permission from Eddie Fowke (The Circuit Climbing)

Alternative Spider Climbing Locations

Alternative Spider Climbing Locations

Alternative Spider Climbing Locations

Alternative Spider Climbing Locations

Alternative Spider Climbing Locations