You hear that? It's the sound of sweaty hands chalking up as young guns and canny veterans alike prepare for the British Bouldering Championships 2023. It's an open field this year as neither of reigning champions will be competing. So the big question remains: who will be taking home the title of British Champion in Sheffield on 2 July?
Contenders of the BBCs 2023
Nathan Phillips
With two previous British Championship titles under his belt already, Nathan is looking to make it a hat-trick this year. And with all his comp experience to draw from as a retired GB Climbing Team member, our money would definitely be on Nathan if we were placing bets!
The Dark Horse – Tyler Landman
There were only going to be six male contenders. But when this news came in, we had to include him. Tyler dark horse perma crusher Landman has literally just registered for the BBCs 2023! And despite Tyler mainly cycling rather than climbing these days, we know he's still got what it takes to win. Who is this guy I hear all the young or new climbers ask? Well, last time he traipsed his way across the pond to compete he emphatically took home his second British Champion title. If you need more info, watch the classic film 'Between the Trees', which is an essential part of any climber's education.
Billy Ridal
Does Billy need an introduction? He’s been part of the international competition circuit for years now, and has recently joined Lattice as a coach, so now he’s got all their secrets on how to become even stronger! We’re looking forward to seeing him in action.
Stephen Keir
This young gun has over 10 years of climbing experience. Last year, he placed 7th, just one spot out of finals, despite not being sure if he’d compete until just days before. Now he’s back and firing on all cylinders – will he make the cut this year?
Jack MacDougall
Breaking onto the senior international scene, has already made his first semi-finals at an IFSC Boulder World Cup this season and let’s not forget he was the British Lead Champion in 2021 – the only way is up for this young crusher.
Rory Cummings
Rory has the strength of Ireland behind him and will be looking to make his mark on British soil! Last year Rory placed in 16th position after a great performance in semis and is looking forward to being back in Sheffield this year.
Matt Varela-Christie
Matt is half Scottish, half Colombian and the head setter at the Font climbing wall in London. He last made finals in 2019 and wants to be back this year!
Louise Flockhart
With her first international finals already under her belt when she came 4th at the European Cup in Loverval in May, and having won the bronze medal at the European Youth Cup in Graz also in May, don’t be fooled by Louise’s youthful looks as she has a huge amount of experience of performing under pressure. We can't wait to see what she brings to the BBCs 2023!
Eugenie Robinson Lee
Eugenie has competed at the BBCs many times over the years and just missed out on finals last year in 7th place. Since then, she's made it into the GB Climbing Team, competed in her first semi-finals at the European Cup in Loverval in May this year, and bagged the god medal at an English Cup, so we think she’s one to watch. Plus her cat Yakult is super cute!
Zoë Peetermans
Having made an impression in the finals of the BBCs last year and only just missing out on a medal in 4th place, and now with a whole extra year of competition experience on the international stage, we’re excited to see what Zoë brings to the mats this year!
Jo Neame
Jo’s been steadily levelling up and building strength as she’s basically always training. Plus with a whole shed-load of international competition experience having been on the GB Climbing Team for many years, we’re excited to see Jo back at the BBCs this year.
Emma Edwards
This up-and-coming junior has the seniors more than a little worried! Emma took the gold medal at the Junior BBCs in 2021 and silver in 2022. Now with a season of competing internationally on the Youth circuit, Emma will be looking to make her mark at the BBCs this year.
Tara Hayes
Another experienced GB Climbing wad with a slew of international comps under her belt, Tara has always been a strong contender to take the win at the BBCs. She took the bronze medal in 2021 and made finals last year, so we’re definitely expecting her to be back this year gunning for the title.
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