Molly Thompson-Smith: From Olympic Ambitions to Nature’s Embrace
Aiming for Olympic Gold
Five-time British climbing champion Molly Thompson-Smith has had a rocky road to the Olympics, but the peak is now in sight as she aims for gold in the Paris 2024 Olympics. She’s been invited to the Olympic Qualifier Series, which concludes soon in Budapest. Molly explains that if she finishes in the top ten, she’ll join Team GB.
From Urban Roots to Natural Heights
Molly’s passion for climbing began by chance at her seventh birthday party when she chose the climbing wall at a local sports centre in west London. This passion led her to Harrison’s Rocks in East Sussex, where she first climbed outdoors at ten or eleven years old. Despite her urban upbringing and her parents’ fear of heights, she quickly adapted and thrived.
Facing and Overcoming Racism
While Molly has experienced racism in her sport, she emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion. Her first walk in the Peak District was positive, yet she has also faced condescension and assumptions. As an advocate for diversity in sport, she notes progress in indoor climbing but acknowledges that outdoor climbing still has barriers to overcome.
The Dual Nature of Climbing
For Molly, indoor climbing is a job, while outdoor climbing serves as her escape. She finds solace and mental clarity in nature, enjoying the geology of the rocks she climbs. Emphasizing the climber’s motto, “Respect the rock,” Molly remains dedicated to leaving no trace and preserving the natural beauty of her climbing sites.
Molly Thompson-Smith’s journey illustrates her resilience, passion, and advocacy for inclusivity, inspiring climbers and nature enthusiasts alike as she continues to reach new heights.
Source: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/news/a60989065/paris-2024-climber-molly-thompson-smith/
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