The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC), in partnership with French Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (FFME), hosted the first ever international parabouldering competition on 12 October in Laval, western France. This was a great opportunity for the GB Paraclimbing Team to showcase their talents, and they did not disappoint.
The competition was unique as it introduced roped bouldering to keep climbers from injury. The rope belay system worked well and the belayers were kept well clear of the climbers on the short boulder problems.
Great Britain's Fran Brown and Sianagh Gallagher took part in the same disability category as Sianagh is still the only female arm amputee in international competitions at the moment. Both did incredibly well, topping many of the problems and finishing with Fran 1st and Sianagh 3rd in women's NPD (neurological physical disability).
This brings the team's tally of podium places to 12 this season with five gold, two silver and five bronze medals from four competitions including two 2nd places in the European Championships. This puts the GB Paraclimbing Team in a strong position for the start of the 2014 competition season, the culmination of which will be the IFSC World Championships in Spain in September.
Watch out for details of the 2014 BMC Paraclimbing Series where you will be able to come and see our paraclimbers in action.
Report by Andy Coltart, GB Paraclimbing Team Assistant Manager.
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