Toby Roberts has described his Olympic gold medal win in the men’s boulder and lead event as “the happiest moment of my life” as he won Great Britain’s 14th gold medal in Paris. #TobyRobertsOlympicGold
The 19-year-old’s former climbing club said they are “so proud” of his achievement, remembering him as “leaps and bounds” ahead of other youngsters at the club.
The teenager is one of a number of Britons to claim medals on Friday, including Elinor Barker and Neah Evans who won silver in the women’s Madison and a quartet of runners – Dina Asher-Smith, Imani Lansiquot, Amy Hunt and Daryll Neita – who secured the women’s 4×100 metres silver.
Roberts told the PA news agency the victory “definitely hasn’t sunk in” yet.
“To work for a goal for so many years, like 10 plus years, and for it to finally, to finally achieve your dreams down on that podium – it’s just a moment which I’ll never forget,” he added.
“And, yeah, it’s the happiest moment of my life.”
The teenager did his first recorded climb when he was just three years old and, when he was 10, he became the youngest Briton to scale the 8a Raindogs route at Malham Cove in North Yorkshire.
The Elstead, Surrey, athlete also became the first Briton to win a lead World Cup medal for 28 years at the Ratho World Cup in 2022.
Roberts said his father, Tristian, who is also his coach, “always 100% trusts me”, adding he is “forever grateful” to his parents “to have been there to allow me to achieve my dream”.
Moreover, Toby Roberts’ Olympic gold has inspired many aspiring climbers. His story demonstrates how perseverance and passion can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Thus, Roberts continues to motivate others with his remarkable achievement. #TobyRobertsOlympicGold
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