Abingdon School travelled to Parthian climbing wall in Southampton to take part in the Southern Schools Climbing Competition. In only a three hour window, 12 climbers tackled 15 boulders, six auto belay routes (on a 10+ meter wall), and several climbers working the three (extra difficult) lead routes. All students were excited for the challenge, having trained to build their aerobic capacity for the past six weeks, allowing them to climb harder for longer and with less fatigue. There was some impressive positive mental attitude, peer-support and persistence in the face of some tiny and terrific holds.
Abingdon came away with overall 1st place out of 26 schools. In addition Daniel (Lower Sixth) achieved 1st placed individual student after battling hard to top all three lead routes. Jonah (Fourth Year) and George (Lower Sixth) also placed first in their respective age categories for top rope, after flashing all six routes. Hussain (Fourth Year) impressed with his lead climbing attempts, having learned the skill only the week before. A great start to the climbing squad’s year and we hope to continue our success with other competitions and friendly matches throughout the year.
