Team GB are in a strong 6th position with only one World Cup 2013 round to go. Those that attend all the rounds will drop their worst result for the final ranking. So this year the best 7 results count, as there are 8 events. Current individual World Cup standings are exciting reading:
| Shauna | 3rd | Dave | 21st | |
| Mina | 9th | Ned | 37th | |
| Leah | 12th | Tom | 58th | |
| Diane | 34th | James | 65th | |
| Michaela | 54th | Jon | 75th |
The competition in Hamilton (Toronto) was my favourite competition of the season with regard to the problems, wall and competition atmosphere. The crowd was amazing and it was really nice to be able to sit and watch the rounds I did not compete in, rather than standing for hours!
It was pretty much the same story again with my climbing; completely messing up the first and most accessible boulder problem. So qualification was very disappointing for me. I climbed quite well on most of the other problems though, coming tantalisingly close to tops but not getting any. This left me in 25th when I know that I was more than capable of making the semi-final. I want so much more.
I've taken a lot of solace from others this trip. The support and belief shared between friends and fellow competitors buoyed me up when I was feeling low. Also, I'm by no means the only one suffering disappointment and obtaining results that don't in any way reflect capability. We soldier on. I was told that I had inspired others to compete. That made me feel pretty good!
Being told that I am an inspiration to others is a huge inspiration to me. It makes me want to train and compete more, to succeed. Knowing that others are putting themselves out there and giving climbing a go, giving competition a go (or another go), because they have been inspired by other climbers is fantastic. It may be that you are teetering on the edge of deciding whether or not to have a go, and just need that little something to make the leap. Be brave, have a go, it's fun, it's challenging, it's rewarding.
Vera from the Netherlands had been suffering the blows of the competitions alongside me this season until it all went right in Toronto. She made the semi-final in fine form, topped all the boulders and narrowly missed out on a place in the final due to number of attempts. She placed ninth and I'm so happy for her.
We took time out to visit Niagara and the falls. A stunning place. I imagined that it would be in the countryside, but the area is actually really built up and touristy. This is something that is only noticeable whilst on route to the falls. Once there, it's all about watching the phenomenal flow of water. Many thanks to Kashca and Keith for looking after us all so well.
The day following the Toronto competition we were back on a plane - next stop Denver (except for Ben who had to head home). We hung around the mile high city waiting for Dave to arrive from the UK. Then we hit the road to climb up into the Rocky Mountains for the World Cup in Vail at 8000 ft. We had a couple of short climbing sessions in Vail and soaked up the stunning scenery. We paid Mount Evans (14000 ft) a visit the day before comp day. A good rest day, with a very short walk to gain the summit as the road goes almost all the way. I recommend a visit if you get a chance. The views are spectacular.
I climbed reasonably well in the Vail competition coming 21st. It was my third time at this venue and definitely my best performance, having previously struggled to make the top 30. There were a few things I could have done better, however I feel that the unfortunate slip on the first problem left me most vulnerable. So close to the semi-final...
It is interesting climbing at altitude. Small things such as holding my breath for a short time for a balance left me panting afterwards. I’d feel fine whilst climbing, but then not make moves I'd expect to. This is due to not being able to get sufficient oxygen into my body to keep my muscles performing as the air is thinner than I am used to. Recovery was pretty good though, so I could keep battling on. Most competitors were suffering the same as far as I am aware. It is very unusual to see boulderers puffing, panting and acting as though they have just run a 100m sprint rather than having climbed.
Many thanks to Heiko Wilhelm (Team Austria) for the climbing photo.
