Nine medals for Japan and four for USA, together the two powerhouses of bouldering won 13 of the 18 medals on offer. Several from the GB Climbing Team climbed well enough to make semi-finals, and all put on a sterling show in the spotlight against the world’s best youth climbers. Read on for the report.

After five days of action, the ultimate final for bouldering medals concluded on Sunday and there were two countries hoarding the majority of the medals. With three golds, three silver and three bronze, Team Japan raced away with half of the medals on offer, while Team USA picked up two golds, one silver and one bronze also.

Hundreds of young athletes from all over the world competed in the event, and it’s astonishing how well the Japanese climbers performed – especially considering that nine of the ten Japanese finalists won a medal! (The tenth came in fourth in the Youth B category).  

There was also a great performance from the GB Climbing Team all round, with eight semi-finalists and a few getting close to making finals. Emily Phillips did well in the qualification round, flashing all four boulders to put her top of her group going into semis. However, a tricky set saw her slip down to 13th. 

Aidan Roberts also impressed, getting three tops in four attempts in qualifiers. In semis, he cruised up three of the problems with ease but unfortunately didn't find the solution to M1 in time, leaving him one top shy of finals.

Rachel Carr, GB Climbing Team coach, said: “This year showed great promise for the future of our GB youths, with eight kids making the semi-final and three kids coming incredibly close to finals. Athletes such as Aidan Roberts, Will Bosi, Jim Pope, Hannah Slaney, Emily Phillips and Hamish Mcarthur went into semis in very strong positions, including a perfect score of 4t4b for Emily.

“All their performances in semis were successful and impressive, where Aidan and Hannah flashed three of the blocs and just missed out on finals. Hopes are high for Emily and Hamish who are currently Youth B with a lot of potential for succes in the future as well as the rest of the team.”

 

A post shared by Rachel Carr (@rachelkarma) on Sep 1, 2017 at 10:49am PDT

Results: GB Climbing Team

Male Juniors:
8th: Aidan Roberts
16th: Will Bosi
18th: Jim Pope
43rd: Luke Murphy

Female Juniors:
10th: Hannah Slaney
33rd: Jo Neame

Male Youth A:
14th: Kieran Forrest
18th: Severin James Domela Nieuwenhius Nyegaard
27th: Nathan Whaley
59th: Maximillian Milne
68th: Aiden Dunne
124th: Joseph Czubkowski

Female Youth A:
27th: Holly Toothill
41st: Eugenie Lee
41st: Kitty Morrison
57th: Gwyneth Uttley
88th: Philippa Watkin

Male Youth B:
14th: Hamish McArthur
25th: Finley Wood
51st: Stephen Keir
54th: James Bateman

Female Youth B:
13th: Emily Phillips
47th: Hannah Smith
51st: Katherine MacDougal
57th: Robin Casey

WATCH: Highlights of the Juniors Bouldering Final

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