Alex Johnson took fourth for the women.
Photo: Caroline Treadway
A rainbow of patterned spotlights swept across the swooping plywood walls–made specially for the event–and the DJ pumped tunes while the last competitors trickled into isolation.
In 2011, USA Climbing and NE2C–the promotion company behind the Unified Bouldering Championships–joined forces to produce the ABS. This year, the comp was webcast for the first time, so viewers who couldn’t make it to Boulder could watch the action.
Co-producer Pete Ward of NE2C said he was proud of the collaboration. “It’s really cool to have that shared vision. I think the spirit of partnership is the future for comp climbing. It’s good for the athletes, it’s good for the sponsors, it’s good for the sport.”
As a photographer, I was lucky enough to watch the entire event from behind the scenes. Friday morning’s qualifying round narrowed the men’s field from 47 to 24 competitors and the women’s from 31 to 23. Saturday’s semi-finals further whittled the pool to eight men and seven women who went on to finals.
By the end of Saturday night’s finals, two winners stood out: Canadian Sean McColl and Boulder local Alex Puccio.
ABS Nationals men’s winner Sean McColl making a victory send of men’s #3
Photo: Caroline Treadway
McColl rocked the men’s field with an impressively smooth, powerful performance.
McColl had climbed well in past competitions, but this weekend he was on fire. Before going into finals, he seemed confident yet grounded.
“I’ve been training for the past four, five months with this comp in mind.” McColl said in iso, as he took off his headphones. “I felt good in qualifiers, even better in semis, and I hope I feel great in finals.” I’m guessing Sean felt pretty great by the end.
Daniel Woods competing in ABS Nationals semi-finals.
Photo: Caroline Treadway
In an unusual twist, defending champion Daniel Woods skidded into tenth place after semi-finals, missing finals altogether and leaving the door open for new competitors. Daniel said he was bummed at first, but was psyched to get a chance to watch the competition.
“It’s just the beginning of the year,” he said. “You can’t beat yourself up over one comp.”
Alex Puccio is greeted by fellow competitors Payne and Johnson after
flashing the final women’s problem. Photo: Caroline Treadway
The women’s finals field was strong, headed by the triumvirate of usual suspects: Angie Payne, Alex Johnson, and Alex Puccio. Johnson, who just returned from a bouldering trip to Bishop, California, said she hadn’t been training inside but still felt strong.
“Just getting into finals is cool,” she said while warming up in isolation. “You can’t really go wrong after that.”
Angie Payne (fifth) on Women’s Final #3 – Photo: Caroline Treadway
Angie Payne was excited but a little jittery going into finals . “I’m nervous ‘cause I actually trained, so I have more expectations, which is never good,” she said.
Puccio, on the other hand, seemed as calm as if it were just another training day. She climbed with ease and confidence, and won with what seemed like minimal effort.
All in all, it was a high-energy weekend–I can’t wait for next year.
The ABS in pictures:
Francesca Metcalf nabbed second with some impressive sends.
Photo by Caroline Treadway
Sierra Blair Coyle climbing in semi-finals. Photo by Caroline Treadway
Kyle Owen placed third in the ABS Nationals men’s finals.
Photo by Caroline Treadway
Ian Dory lays on the pads after falling off Men’s #2.
Photo by Caroline Treadway.
Check out our first timer’s guide to the climbing gym.