Bronze for Molly Thompson-Smith in European Lead Championships 2020
Molly Thompson-Smith placed 3rd in the Lead finals in Moscow. Photo: Leo Zhukov
Molly Thompson-Smith climbed her way to a bronze medal in the Lead final of the IFSC European Continental Championships, currently taking place in Moscow, Russia.
Molly, who previously won a bronze medal in the 2017 Lead World Cup in Kranj, told us about the lead final:
“Despite it being my second session on my fifth day on, I was so psyched to climb in finals last night! The route was pumpy and punchy but I was pleased to still be able to give it a good fight and even end up with a medal. My lead shape wasn’t where I wanted it to be due to trying to focus on the combined event so my performance was a nice surprise and a marker of a good foundation for the next lead season. The event has been nicely organised and Will and I have had a great time out here with Tom [Greenall] and Dave [Barrans] whose support has been amazing.”
GB Climbing Head Coach Tom Greenall, who is out in Moscow supporting Molly and Will, said "The campaign here in Moscow is going very well. We've worked hard to maintain high standards around athlete health and are happy with our position. Molly and Will have both performed well and are excited and motivated to move on to tomorrow's Combined qualifications."
Molly is out in Moscow this week alongside GB Climbing Team member Will Bosi. Both of them having already competed in the Speed, Boulder and Lead disciplines.
READ: Molly Thompson-Smith and Will Bosi take on the final chance for Olympic Qualification
The Lead event formed part of the qualification for the Combined event, the results of which will be used for Olympic selection. The Combined event begins on Friday with a qualification round.
Molly is currently in 10th place heading into the Combined qualifier round after placing 25th in Speed, 14th in Boulder and 3rd in Lead. Will Bosi has also qualified for the Combined event in 8th place, finishing 14th in Speed, 15th in Boulder and 12th in Lead. The top eight athletes out of the 20 qualifying climbers on Friday will progress to the Combined final on Saturday.