Page 28 - AMA Summer 2024

SPORTS CLIMBING ›
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS OF
SUCCESS – ARMED FORCES
BOULDERING LEAGUE 2023-2024
RTemi Colwill
he Armed Forces Bouldering League (AFBL) for the 2023-2024 season proved to be an extraordinary triumph, attracting more than 400 climbers from across the services. This inclusive
bouldering competition showcased the prowess of participants ranging from grassroots enthusiasts to seasoned climbers, all vying for podium positions across various skill levels.
The AFBL season featured six events strategically spread across the country. Competitors accumulated points based on their top three scores from these events, each comprising 25 problems ranging from V0 to challenging V9. With a four-hour window to conquer routes, climbers aimed to maximise their scores, especially on the top 10 problems featuring bonus holds for additional points, leading to a potential maximum score of 250 points.
One of the distinctive features of the league was the utilisation of rounds hosted by individual services for their single-service competitions. This internal rivalry set the stage for the eagerly anticipated first Inter-Ser- vice Bouldering Championships, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition.
The uniqueness of each round added an exciting dimension to the competition. From the demanding blocs at Rockstar Swindon in Round 1 to the diverse set at Depot Birmingham in Round 2, participants faced a variety of challenges. Climbing Hangar Exeter posed a stern test at the upper end of the grades, while Parthian Southampton struck a balance with diverse blocks. Big Rock Hub Milton Keynes offered tricky slab climbs in Round 5, and The Climbing Works Sheffield in Round 6 showcased a breath-taking array of blocs demanding both strength and strategic thinking.
The competition culminated in an impressive array of winners across Open, Elite, Under 25, Masters, Male and Female categories.
The league received an enthusiastic response, with participant numbers surpassing pre-COVID levels. Each round, boasting an average of 110 participants, ensured a fiercely contested competition in every category. The sense of community prevailed, with climbers, regardless of ability, coming together to celebrate competition climbing and witness the inspiring talent within the armed forces. The AFBL 23-24 season truly marked a pinnacle in the success of armed forces climbing, setting the stage for future exhilarating competitions.
28 ‹ ARMY MOUNTAINEER
Elite Male
1st AS1 Rhys Hall (RAF)
2nd Cpl Matthew Price (Army) 3rd Cfn Danny Seeley (Army)
Elite Female
1st Maj Amy Johnstone (Army)
2nd Fg Off Bex Capewell-Salisbury (RAF) 3rd AS1 Sam Spencer (RAF)
Open Male
1st Cpl Dirgha Gurung (Army) 2nd LCpl Manish Rai (Army) 3rd Sgt Luke Head (Army)
Open Female
1st Fg Off Jessie Reid (RAF)
2nd Flt Lt Kathryn Scott (RAF) 3rd OCdt Emily Pambakian (RAF)
Masters
1st Lt Col Dan Simmons (Army) 2nd Capt Mark Whitfield (Army) 3rd WO2 Rob Taylor (Army)
Under 25
1st LH Luke Thurston (RN/RM) 2nd AS1 Charlie Richards (RAF) 3rd OCdt Robert Daniels (Army)