UKC

Last week saw a record number of young climbers from around the world take part in the IFSC World Youth Championships in Arco, Italy. For the first time ever, bouldering was included as a third discipline alongside Lead and Speed. 29 British juniors were competing, with Tara Hayes becoming the highest placed Brit with a 10th position in the boulder event. Alex Waterhouse competed across all three disciplines to achieve a very commendable 6th place in the overall rankings.

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In reply to UKC News:

I was out in Arco watching and have to say the standard of climbing by those 'kids' was awesome. And the atmosphere in the stadium was really great; watching the big team shirt bartering sessions was also pretty cool. On the exchange rate a 'Team Texas' shirt = a 'Team GB shirt' but an 'IFSC Judge' shirt simply won't get you one of the green Austrian vests......

In relation to the article though:

'For the first time ever, bouldering was included as a third discipline alongside Lead and Speed.'

Surely it was 'Speed' that was the new addition - youth comps have included bouldering for ever!

In reply to UKC News:

We've been watching qualifiers and semi finals live (finals back at home) and it was a pleasure to watch! Some kids are super strong. They have been playing and hanging around in the town all together, no matter where they are from.

In reply to Andy Say:

Speed has been a World Youth Championship discipline for many years now, but this was the first year that the bouldering has been included. Youth international bouldering events only started relatively recently.

In reply to UKC News:

What makes this event really interesting is the fact that some of these competitors are crushing in the seniors. Chon Jongwon, Nathanial Coleman, Margo Hayes, Janja Garnbret have all made podium finishes or finals (and of course Jongwon won!)