Toby Roberts, an English rock climber born in March 2005, is renowned for his exceptional accomplishments in both competition climbing and outdoor sport climbing. He is the youngest British climber ever to redpoint a 9a (5.14d)-rated sport climbing route, thanks to his exceptional abilities and determination. In 2023, he made history by qualifying for the Olympics as the first British male climber. This article explores the journey, accomplishments, and aspirations of Toby Roberts in the world of climbing.
Toby Roberts, a British rock climber who is 18 years old, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most talented young climbers. In his short career, he has already accomplished a great deal, including becoming the youngest British climber ever to redpoint a 9a (5.14d) sport climbing route and the first British male climber ever to qualify for the Olympics.
Roberts is a versatile climber who excels in all three disciplines of competition climbing: lead, bouldering, and speed. He is currently ranked in the top 10 in the world for both lead climbing and bouldering. He has won multiple medals at the World Cup level in all three disciplines.
Roberts is a highly accomplished outdoor climber in addition to his success in competitive climbing. He has redpointed a number of 9a routes and is one of the few climbers to have climbed outdoor 9a+ and 9b routes.
Roberts is a rising star in the world of climbing and is anticipated to be a medal contender at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. His success demonstrates that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Some highlights from Toby Roberts’ latest news:
- Historic Victory: Toby Roberts secured a historic victory by clinching the first male Olympic quota place in Sport Climbing for Great Britain. This achievement marks a significant milestone in his climbing career.
- Exceptional Skills: In the Lead final, Roberts showcased his exceptional skills by finishing with a flawless score of 100, making him the only athlete to do so. His consistent performance at the highest level of the sport is truly impressive.
- Family Support: Toby Roberts attributes his success to the immense support he receives from his family, especially his father, Tristan Roberts, who also serves as his coach. Their collaborative journey in the sport has been a key factor in his achievements.
- Passion and Determination: Toby Roberts’ passion for climbing is evident in his approach to the sport. He emphasizes never giving up and always giving 100% in training and competitions, which has been instrumental in his rise to the top.
- Tokyo 2024 Bound: As he prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Toby Roberts is excited about the opportunity to represent Great Britain on the world’s biggest sporting stage. His dreams of competing at the Olympics are becoming a reality.
- Engaging with Fans: Toby Roberts actively engages with his fans through his YouTube channel and social media platforms. His behind-the-scenes videos and interaction with followers provide insights into the life of a dedicated and passionate young climber.
These highlights capture the essence of Toby Roberts’ recent accomplishments and his journey as a climbing sensation with a bright future ahead.
Early Introduction to Climbing
Toby Roberts was introduced to the world of climbing at Edgeborough School near Farnham in 2013, setting the stage for his incredible journey in the sport.
Meteoric Rise in Sport Climbing
Roberts accomplished an incredible feat at the age of ten by redpointing the historic 8a (5.13b) British sport climbing route Raindogs at Malham Cove in North Yorkshire. His natural ability and determination were immediately apparent.
However, in 2020, at the age of 15, he made headlines as the youngest British climber to successfully redpoint a 9a (5.14d) graded sport route, Steve McClure’s Rainshadow, also at Malham Cove. Notably, in 2021, he became the 12th climber to redpoint Ben Moon’s historic sport route, Hubble, at Raven Tor, which was the world’s first-ever 8c+-graded route.
Triumph in Competition Climbing
Roberts’ success extends to the arena of competition. In June 2023, he won his first senior-level gold medal in the competition bouldering discipline.
However, his greatest accomplishment occurred in October 2023, when, at the age of 18, he qualified for the 2024 Olympics by winning the European Olympic Qualifier in Laval, France. His remarkable victory placed him ahead of renowned climber Adam Ondra.
The Climber’s Unique Journey
Toby Roberts, unlike many elite climbers, did not come from a climbing-related family. Without prior familial influence, he accidentally discovered his passion for climbing.
After an introductory climbing session at school, he immediately fell in love with the sport. Toby’s contagious zeal was immediately apparent, and he entered his first climbing competition within a week of beginning. As his interest grew, his parents became his most ardent supporters, encouraging his training and competition endeavors.
The Role of His Father-Coach
Toby Roberts’s journey is a familial one, as his father, Tristan Roberts, serves as his coach. Tristan, despite lacking a background in sport climbing, devoted himself to learning the sport’s complexities and guiding his son along the way. For both father and son, their shared journey of growth and development has been a remarkable learning experience.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Toby Roberts |
| Date of Birth | March 2005 |
| Nationality | British |
| Climbing Specialization | Sport Climbing (Lead and Boulder) |
| Notable Achievements | – Youngest British climber to redpoint a 9a (5.14d) graded route |
| – First British male climber to qualify for the Olympics | |
| – Redpointed “Raindogs” (8a) at the age of 10 | |
| – Redpointed “Hubble” (8c+) at Raven Tor | |
| – First gold medal in competition bouldering at the senior level | |
| – First lead World Cup gold for Great Britain in 28 years | |
| – Gold medal in bouldering at the Brixen World Cup | |
| – Gold at the 2023 European Boulder and Lead Olympic Qualifier | |
| Notable Outdoor Climbs | – 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9a/+ routes between ages 10 and 16 |
| Notable Feats | – Started climbing at Edgeborough School near Farnham in 2013 |
| – Climbed at Malham Cove, North Yorkshire | |
| – Climbed at Raven Tor, including “Hubble” | |
| – First male British climber to secure an Olympic quota place | |
| YouTube Channel | Active with over 7,000 subscribers |
| Instagram Followers | Over 30,000 followers on Instagram |
| Coach | Father, Tristan Roberts |
| Personal Philosophy | – Passion for climbing |
| – Determination and not giving up | |
| – Joy and fun in climbing | |
| – Love for trying hard and pushing boundaries | |
| – Enjoys the uniqueness of climbing | |
| – Active on social media, sharing his climbing journey |
Roberts’ Approach to Climbing
Toby Roberts approaches climbing with a unique mentality, viewing each route as a puzzle to be solved. He approaches the wall with unwavering determination and an unyielding commitment to giving his best effort. As a testament to his enthusiasm for climbing, he describes the elation of completing a difficult route as being profoundly satisfying.
A Love for Rock Climbing
Roberts is an avid rock climber in addition to being an avid sport climber. He has climbed the difficult 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9a/+ outdoor routes, cementing his place in history as the youngest Briton to accomplish such feats. His lifelong passion for rock climbing has given his climbing journey a distinctive dimension.
Sharing the Joy of Climbing
Toby Roberts’s climbing enthusiasm extends beyond the walls. Through a YouTube channel that has over 7,000 subscribers, he shares his experiences with a wider audience. On social media, he offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into his competitions and training, allowing fans to follow his journey closely.
The Road to Paris 2024
Toby Roberts’ qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is the culmination of a six-year journey filled with perseverance and hard work.
The prospect of competing on the most prestigious stage in the world excites him and demonstrates his commitment to the sport. Toby Roberts, a rising star in the world of climbing, is poised to make history and inspire future generations of climbers in Great Britain.
Toby Roberts’ remarkable journey from an accidental introduction to climbing to becoming a climbing pioneer is a testament to his talent, dedication, and unwavering passion for the sport.
His accomplishments in both sport climbing and competition climbing are remarkable, and his qualification for the Olympic Games in 2024 is a momentous achievement.
Toby Roberts will leave an indelible mark on the world of climbing and inspire climbers of all ages to relentlessly pursue their dreams as he begins his journey to Paris in 2024.
Toby Roberts’ Notable Records and Matches:
- Youngest British Climber to Redpoint a 9a (5.14d)-Graded Sport Climbing Route:
- Achievement: Toby Roberts made history by becoming the youngest-ever British climber to redpoint a 9a graded sport climbing route. He achieved this remarkable feat by redpointing Steve McClure’s “Rainshadow” at Malham Cove in 2020.
- First British Male Climber to Qualify for the Olympics:
- Achievement: In 2023, Toby Roberts became the first British male climber to qualify for the Olympics. He secured his place in the 2024 Olympics by winning the European Olympic Qualifier in Laval, France.
- Redpointing “Raindogs” at Age 10:
- Achievement: At the age of just 10, Toby Roberts accomplished the challenging “Raindogs” route, graded 8a (5.13b), at Malham Cove. This early achievement showcased his remarkable climbing talent.
- Redpointing “Hubble,” the World’s First 8c+ Graded Route:
- Achievement: In 2021, Toby Roberts joined an elite group of climbers by redpointing Ben Moon’s “Hubble” at Raven Tor. This historic route is recognized as the world’s first-ever 8c+ graded route.
- Gold Medal in the Competition Bouldering Discipline:
- Achievement: Toby Roberts secured his first gold medal in the competition bouldering discipline at the senior level during the 2023 season.
- First Lead World Cup Gold Medal in 28 Years:
- Achievement: Toby Roberts made history by winning his first-ever lead World Cup gold medal at the Chamonix World Cup in July 2023. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first lead gold for Great Britain in 28 years.
- Gold Medal in Bouldering at Brixen World Cup:
- Achievement: Just three weeks prior to his lead World Cup victory, Toby Roberts clinched the gold medal in bouldering at the Brixen World Cup in Italy.
- Gold at the 2023 European Boulder and Lead Olympic Qualifier:
- Achievement: Toby Roberts secured a historic victory at the 2023 European Boulder and Lead Olympic Qualifier event, earning the first male Olympic quota place in Sport Climbing for Great Britain.
- First British Climber to Qualify for the Olympics Since Shauna Coxsey:
- Achievement: Toby Roberts’ qualification for the 2024 Olympics marks a significant milestone, following in the footsteps of Shauna Coxsey, who became the first British Olympic climber during the Tokyo Games.
- Successful Outdoor Climbs:
- Achievement: Toby Roberts has accomplished several challenging outdoor routes, including 8a, 8b, 9a, and 9a/+ routes between the ages of 10 and 16, making national history and showcasing his versatility in climbing.
Toby Roberts’ impressive records and remarkable achievements have established him as a rising star in the world of climbing, inspiring climbers worldwide with his dedication and talent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Toby Roberts, and how did he get into climbing?
- Answer: Toby Roberts is a young British climber known for his remarkable achievements in sport climbing. He discovered climbing by chance and was introduced to the sport at a young age.
- What are Toby Roberts’ notable climbing achievements?
- Answer: Toby Roberts has achieved several significant milestones in his climbing career. He is the youngest-ever British climber to redpoint a 9a (5.14d)-graded sport climbing route and secured a place at the 2024 Olympics.
- How does Toby Roberts balance competition climbing and outdoor sport climbing?
- Answer: Toby Roberts excels in both competition climbing and outdoor sport climbing. He has completed challenging routes outdoors and actively competes at the highest level in sports climbing events.
- What role has Toby Roberts’ family played in his climbing journey?
- Answer: Toby Roberts’ family, especially his father Tristan Roberts, has been instrumental in supporting and coaching him. Tristan’s dedication to helping Toby succeed is a remarkable part of their journey.
- How does Toby Roberts prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics, and what are his expectations?
- Answer: Toby Roberts is preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics with enthusiasm. He looks forward to representing Great Britain at the Olympics and competing on the world stage. His expectations and goals for the event are eagerly anticipated.
