As the IFSC Bouldering World Cup makes it’s way to Toronto, many of our Canadian competitors are travelling across the country to compete in this international event. With 16 Canadians in each category (male and female), this opportunity will be the first IFSC competition for some and a chance to show their stuff on the international stage.
As we cheer from the sidelines, Squamish Climbing Magazine thought it would be interesting to feature a few climbers from across the country that are competing this weekend. We sent out the same set of questions to three female competitors and here is what they had to say.
Alison Stewart-Patterson
Alison Stewart-Patterson is a competition climber out of Victoria, BC. She competes in all disciplines, including bouldering, difficulty, and speed. She trains most of the time at The Boulders in Central Saanich,BC and is surely no stranger to the podium and competition, especially over the past year. This is her first IFSC Bouldering World Cup competition.
Alison Stewart-Patterson. Photo courtesy of Shane Murdoch ©
So..heading to Toronto for the IFSC Bouldering World Cup. What are you looking forward to the most about competing this weekend?
I’m looking forward to meeting new people and competing in Canada again! This is my first bouldering World Cup and I’m excited to try something new. I’ve competed in lead and speed world cups but this year I want to compete as an all around athlete on the circuit.
What has been your plan in terms of preparation for competing in Toronto?
I’ve been doing a lot of power training, most speed climbing and hard lead routes. Lead nationals and the Speed World Cup were a week and a half ago so there wasn’t much time between. But for Boulder training, my boyfriend, Tristen, generally makes up problems for me to project in training.
Alison Stewart-Patterson. Photo courtesy of Shane Murdoch ©
Is this your first time competing in an IFSC Bouldering competition?
Yes and I’m so excited!!
How does competing in from of a Canadian crowd change the experience?
For the speed World Cup and youth worlds I competed at my home gym! That was the ultimate experience because all my friends and family can come out to see what I do. Most people don’t understand competition climbing until they see it for themselves.
How do you train for the type of problems typical in an IFSC competition?
I have the opportunity to set at my home gym in Victoria. So I generally set comp style problems or just make up routes. I also get the opportunity to travel to other facilities to try different setting styles. We spent a few hours today trying some comp style routes at Joe Rockhead’s! So fun!
Does outdoor bouldering contribute to your preparation at this time of year?
Outdoor climbing doesn’t contribute to my training. Hopefully once the season is over then I will be climbing outside!
Alison on Code of Honour. Photo Courtesy of Allison Stewart-Patterson ©
How do you cover costs for a competition like this when travelling across the country?
I work full time at the Boulders and I have great parents that support me through all my travels. I couldn’t do it without them. Evolv sponsors me for my gear though!
Any expectations for the competition?
Learn from the other competitors and have fun! Because this is my first bouldering World Cup I don’t want to have any expectations.
Thanks Alison for answering our questions. Good luck tomorrow!
Allison (in front) and the Canadian climbing team. Photo Courtesy of Allison Stewart-Patterson ©
