The World Climbing Youth Championship wrapped up in Arco, Italy, on 25 July. Eight New Zealanders competed across boulder, lead and speed, and one of them came home a world champion.
Mila Piatek won U17 women’s speed. She qualified eighth out of 39, then ran 7.97 in the round of 16 and 7.70 in the quarter-final, which is a new Oceania women’s open record. A 7.76 semi put her in the gold-medal race, where she stopped the clock at 7.77. She also placed 74th in U17 women’s boulder in a field of 115.
Eliezar Cachatoor-Faber took on all three disciplines in U19 men, which almost nobody does. He finished 40th in speed, 71st in lead and 90th in boulder.
In speed, Cara Hicks was 29th in U19 women, David Kang 36th and Levi Dickinson 46th in U17 men.
In lead, Sylvia Palmer finished 72nd in U17 women and Xavier Wasek-Webb 80th in U17 men.
In boulder, Lauren Williams was 70th in U17 women and Conrad Bolger 99th in U19 men.
Worth remembering what these fields look like. The U17 women’s boulder qualification had 115 climbers in it, and the U19 men’s lead had 100. Getting to the start line in Arco is already a long way down the road.
“We are so proud of all of these athletes for the dedication they showed to their training and competition preparation,” Jenny Stevens said. “A great learning environment, iconic venue and lots of new friends made.”
Thanks to the coaches who spent long days in the sun managing our athletes, and to the parents who got them there. Thanks as well to the supporters from other teams who were shouting for the Kiwis all week, and to the volunteers in Arco, who were good to our athletes from start to finish.
Full results are on the World Climbing website. Photos are on Flickr. Please credit @outhere_colleive and @italiaclimbing.