Henry impresses again at Midlands Youth Climbing Series

Following on from his earlier success in the British Mountaineering Council’s Youth Climbing Series, Lower Remove pupil Henry L came First in the final round of the Midlands Youth Climbing Series for his age category.

The competition includes both lead climbing and bouldering; the final round was bouldering, which is Henry’s stronger event. Henry placed second overall, following six rounds of competition across the Midlands.

Henry enjoys competing against other climbers, some of whom have become his friends through the competition circuits. Competitive climbing is a fantastic way to track progress, and since Henry started climbing at age seven, he feels he has improved his technique and developed the ability to read the routes more quickly and more accurately.

When asked about his ambitions for the future, Henry explained, “I am currently working to improve my lead climbing, and have been having some regular additional coaching in this. I am also hoping to get footwork coaching from a local celebrity climber. In June, I am planning to compete at the Junior British Bouldering Championships and my goal is to make it through the qualifying round to reach the final.”

Climbing at King’s

Climbing at King’s goes from strength to strength, meeting after school each Thursday. Some 25 climbers from Lower Remove to Upper Sixth take part, with everyone taking turns to belay their partners as well as challenge themselves on the wide variety of difficult routes available on the School’s indoor climbing wall. The more experienced climbers also often mentor and coach newer members of the club and there is always a wonderful atmosphere of teamwork and positive support for this mentally and physically challenging sport.

Our Climbing Facilities

We are fortunate to enjoy the striking three-storey McClatchey Climbing Wall in the Keyes Building, which is dedicated to Robert McClatchey, a Governor of the School and an OV. It is over 12 metres high and has an abseiling gallery at the top, offering tremendous opportunities to practise, develop and improve techniques. Climbing is a games option at King’s in the Sixth Form and we currently have 10 Sixth Form climbers spending their games sessions on the wall each week. King’s sends climbers to the annual inter-schools’ competition organised by Bredon School at Redpoint Climbing Wall; unfortunately, the competition didn’t go ahead this year, but King’s Worcester climbers are looking forward to their next opportunity to compete.

Keen to know more about climbing at King’s? Experience our impressive climbing wall virtually.