FAQs

Selection processes pre-COVID were published in January 2022 so athletes had notice of what competitions may be involved in selection. Post-COVID and the delay in various partner funding processes has meant the 2023 selection information could not be published until the end of 2022. Therefore, competition events in 2022 have not been used as part of selection for 2023 as athletes did not have selection information prior to the start of the season. The selection processes for 2023 all include an entry route for athletes, including those not yet on the pathway due to this situation.

Domestic competition is included in the proposed selection for 2024 so athletes will have prior notice and the ability to plan their year with the required information in advance.

This part of the selection criteria is based on performance, not just event ranking. The standard on routes or boulder problems for each specified selection event will be determined by the collaborative expert input of the team of route setters, forerunners, coaches and performance analyst. This information will then be communicated to athletes prior to the event so they can understand the performance level and then be able to further understand the level of international competition and where their own performance sits in comparison. Athletes and home coaches will be supported collaboratively by GB Climbing Coaches and Pathway coaches in reviewing their performances against the standards and in planning their next steps accordingly.

The GB Climbing Pathway has needed to develop further and provide more regular opportunities for athletes to be supported through Regional and National provision. The GB National development squad will therefore cease to exist in its current form in 2023. The changes will enable more localised coaching support for athletes and home coaches at all ages and stages, in both home wall and residential training camp environments.

To increase the support regionally we have worked closely with our funding partners to enable the resource to enable this to happen. The Pathway is collaboratively supported by Sport England and Sport Scotland through the BMC and Mountaineering Scotland respectively.

Through this collaborative partnership working, we have been able to secure funding to enable the changes to happen and increase resource in the pathway. This has meant that England and Scotland have needed to develop a collaborative, aligned pathway where athlete have parity in their experiences and can be adequately supported on their journeys.