The 2022 British Lead Climbing Championships took place at Awesome Walls, Sheffield, last weekend. A mix of new and previous champions along with some impressive family feats made for an exciting event.

In the men's category, Jim Pope returned for his third senior BLCC title with a smooth top of the final route, just ahead of Billy Ridal and Joe Xiberras.

On Instagram, Jim wrote:

'Proud to have earnt my 3rd national title, and a nice finish to the season! Big thanks to everyone for organising and the setting team for some great routes.'

A new champion was crowned in the women's final, as 18-year-old up-and-comer Erin McNeice narrowly beat last year's champion Zoē Peetermans to 1st place, with former BLCC champion Emily Phillips in 3rd. 

Commenting in an Instagram post, she wrote: 

'Pretty psyched about this. I really enjoyed myself on the final route, and it definitely highlighted areas for improvement as well. Thank you to everyone who made the event possible: the route setters, volunteers, belayers and Awesome Walls Sheffield for hosting. And also to all the strong seniors. I have looked up to you all for a long time and will continue to do so.'

In the veteran finals, the parents of some youth and senior competitors provided inspirational battles on a tough final route and more medals for a family trophy cabinet.

In the women's final, Ukrainian climbing legend, former boulder World Cup winner (Fiera di Primiero, 2002) and mother of female Youth C winner Rafael Kazbekova (and her older sister Jenya Kazbekova), climbed to first place ahead of Zoê Peetermans' mum Andrea Gregory. 

Serik Kazbekova completed the family medal trilogy with another win in the men's competition. 

Results

Senior Men

1. Jim Pope

2. Billy Ridal

3. Joe Xiberras

Senior Women

1. Erin McNeice

2. Zoê Peetermans

3. Emily Phillips

Female Youth A

1. Caelin Lenehan

2. Emma Edwards

3. Rhyna Conroy

Male Youth A

1. Dylan Soin

2. Tom Healy

3. Oscar Phillips

Female Youth B

1. Fae MacDougall

2. Lily Kinnersley

3. Connie Bridgens

Male Youth B

1. Sam Hammond

2. Tom Steele

3. Cameron Maclean

Female Youth C

1. Rafael Kazbekova

2. Lily Moss

3. Kaitlynn Fletcher

Male Youth C

1. Harveer Seikham

2. Isaac Sutton

3. Tom Bouwknegt

Female Veterans

1. Nataliia Perlova

2. Andrea Gregory

3. Vicky Askew

Male Veterans

1. Serik Kazbekov

2. Nigel Leeming

Watch the finals replay below: