The first foothold looked sound until Eli focused on it.
Weak-Point Sight revealed a bright line beneath the upper edge, where a bolt joined the platform to its bracket. Ordinary wear marked the painted surface, but the strain ran deeper than the scuff. The foothold might hold one person. Eli could not establish its load rating by looking at it.
The clock had already started.
He shifted his weight back to the previous platform and chose the next foothold to the right. It was farther from the direct line and required a longer step, but the strain he could see was lower. He placed one foot, tested his balance, then moved across.
A competitor behind him reached for the damaged foothold. Eli raised his hand.
“Don’t put your full weight there. Judge, the near bolt may be damaged.”
The competitor stopped, one hand on the rail. A judge approached the platform and called for the next contestant to wait. The judge’s partner kept the clock running for Eli, as the published rules allowed unless the station was formally stopped.
Eli lost several seconds while he made sure the warning had been heard. He then continued along the right-hand route. He did not wait to see whether the judge agreed with him; the competitor was no longer stepping onto the suspect point, and the judge had taken responsibility for the inspection.
