University of Warwick Welcomes Team GB Athletes for Olympic Announcement

The University of Warwick welcomed Team GB’s climbing athletes to the Sports and Wellness Hub Climbing Centre for an exclusive photoshoot. 

It marks the official announcement of the athletes representing Great Britain at the upcoming Olympics.  

The facility, featuring a variety of climbing walls, including speed climbing routes that meet international competition standards, set the stage for the four Team GB climbers as they prepare to compete on the world stage in Paris this Summer.  

John Garside, Head of Performance at Team GB Climbing said, “The Climbing Centre at The Sports & Wellness Hub is a beautiful, modern facility which has given us an amazing backdrop for our photos. We wanted to show the public the joy and vibrancy of climbing and this facility does just that.” 

The four young athletes preparing for their Olympic debut this summer are Toby Roberts, Hamish McArthur, Erin McNeice and Molly Thompson-Smith.  
They will be representing Team GB in lead and bouldering with Toby and Hamish becoming the first ever male Olympic climbers for Team GB.  

Erin and Molly secured their qualifications to Paris through the Olympic Qualifier Series; with Erin collecting two bronze medals, setting the team in good stead for the games.

Alan Jephcott, Climbing Centre Manager at the University of Warwick said, “It makes me incredibly proud to see the four best climbing athletes in the country here in our centre. We want to give athletes the best possible facilities to learn and practice their sport. It’s an honour to support Team GB ahead of the Olympics.” 

The University is committed to promoting sports within the local community. The Sports and Wellness Hub regularly hosts events, workshops, and competitions, encouraging participation from climbers of all ages and skill levels.