The IFSC European Championships in Moscow are taking place over the coming days (19th-29th November) and two Olympic spots (one male, one female) are up for grabs. GB Climbing Team members Molly Thompson-Smith and Will Bosi will be aiming to clinch the remaining tickets to Tokyo 2020.

Despite the uncertainty of the last eight months or so, Will and Molly are feeling ready for the event. Will told UKC in a recent article about the event:

'The postponements have been really tough to deal with. Being 100% prepared and ready in March, it was hard to start the training cycle over again. Without any other comps it's also impossible to know what shape I'm in, but that will be the same for everyone I guess. However, with all the recent GB Climbing training sessions I feel in good shape and feeling ready to go for it. I also trust them to minimise the risks involved and make it as safe as can be for us.'

Writing on Instagram tonight, Molly commented:

'I'm definitely nervous for this event- it's a biggie & I care. And of course there's a pandemic happening. But as an athlete it's my job to compete when possible, so here I am. I will try to have a good time as I know there are many athletes who wish to be here now, or would've liked a chance at this competition at a better, fairer and safer point in time. I also have mixed feelings about the event & agree the timing is far from ideal. Hopefully we can all get back to competing together safely at some point in the near future.'

The event involves individual championships in Speed, Boulder and Lead before the Combined event next weekend.

Stay tuned, and good luck Will and Molly!

The livestreams of each round will be made available on the Russia Climbing YouTube channel, starting with Women's Speed qualification at 7:30 A.M. UK time on Saturday 21st.