16 year-old Aidan Roberts has made the third ascent of Neil Gresham's latest new route Freakshow (8c) 8c at Kilnsey. What makes Aidan's ascent all the more impressive is that it was his first major outdoor sport climb, he completed it in just two sessions and - wait for it - he's been climbing for all of three years!
© Corin Burdon
Neil Gresham broke the news on Facebook, stating that Aidan's ascent was "the most impressive climbing performance [he's] ever seen."
As though the odds weren't stacked against him enough already, Aidan also managed to climb the route in what Neil described as "terrible" conditions. Neil continued in his praise of Aidan with the laudatory statement: "Aidan is the Adam Ondra or Alex Megos of the UK and the only reason he isn't level with those guys is because he's only just getting started."
Alex Barrows made the second ascent of Freakshow last weekend.
Aidan recently became European Champion following a win in the European Youth Bouldering Championships in L'Argentière-la-Bessée, France (UKC News Report) and made finals in his first ever European Youth Lead Cup in Mitterdorf, Austria this month. He has previously bouldered up to 8B.
Watch this space for more information...
Aidan is sponsored by: Eden Rock, Julbo, La Sportiva, Lyon Outdoor, Petzl and Tiny Climb Chalkbags
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