Building on a Golden Moment for British Climbing at the Paris 2024 Olympics

Olympics News
16 Aug
4 min read

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been a historic occasion for British climbing, marking a significant milestone in the sport's journey.

Last week, climbing made its second appearance on the Olympic stage, and Great Britain's Toby Roberts made history by winning Britain’s first ever gold medal in Boulder & Lead. This achievement, along with outstanding performances from Team GB’s Hamish McArthur (5th), Erin McNeice (5th) and Molly Thompson-Smith (19th), underscores the rapid growth and potential of climbing in the Great Britain.

Crowds cheer on the British athletes at the walls of Le Bourget. Image: IFSC, Lena Drapella, Jan Virt

Toby Roberts’ gold in Paris is not just a personal triumph; it is a reflection of the burgeoning indoor climbing community in the UK. With over 400 climbing walls and more than 250 clubs across the country, climbing has firmly established itself as a dynamic and accessible sport for people of all ages and abilities. Supported by a dedicated community of 400,000 regular climbers, the sport is gaining traction both as a competitive discipline and a popular fitness activity.

Athletes observe the women's Lead semi-finals route: Image: IFSC, Lena Drapella, Jan Virt

BMC President Dominic Oughton captured the collective pride of the climbing community: "Firstly, massive congratulations to all of our athletes who represented Great Britain with such credit in Paris this week," he stated. "Clearly, Toby's gold was the icing on the cake, but each one of them gave their absolute utmost and can be tremendously proud of their achievements. Erin, Hamish, Molly, and Toby – our members are so proud of you."

Hamish McArthur in the men's Boulder semi-final round: Image: IFSC, Lena Drapella, Jan Virt

Dominic continued, "a huge vote of thanks to you, your friends, families, coaches and everyone in GB Climbing who has been involved with coaching and supporting our athletes on the road to Paris, and throughout the Games. The confidence with which they competed and the outstanding performances they delivered speak volumes for the environment that you created."

“I'm sure the legacy of interest in our sport, and opportunities for participation across the whole of society, will have a profound and lasting impact.”

Support for the climbers and team has been echoed across the climbing community and has generated huge profile for the sport.

The visibility climbing has achieved at the Paris games is inspiring even more people to get involved in the sport. Whether climbing solo or in groups, and across generations, the sport offers significant mental and physical health benefits.

If you want to get involved in climbing, whether as a beginner or an experienced climber looking to join a club, visit www.thebmc.co.uk/indoor-climbing

If you would like to support the work of the BMC in getting more people climbing and active we’d also love to hear from you, email office@thebmc.co.uk

Erin McNeice celebrates after the women's Lead semi-final round: Image: IFSC, Lena Drapella, Jan Virt
The following GB Climbing athletes qualified for Paris 2024 Olympics and formed part of Team GB:
  • Toby Roberts
  • Hamish McArthur
  • Molly Thompson-Smith
  • Erin McNeice
The support team for the British climbers in Paris included:
  • Team Leader: Jon Garside
  • GB Team Coaches: Liam Briddon, Rachel Carr, Tristian Roberts, Mark Glennie
  • Support Coach: Eleanor Glennie
  • Team Support: Lucinda Whittaker

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