GB Climbing Team Member, IFSC World Lead Bronze Medallist and Professional Climber
Thank you to Molly, for letting us interview her during the Battle of Britain 2018 at the Depot in Manchester, on 20th October.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Molly Thompson-Smith and I’m 21 years old and I’m a professional climber. I started climbing for fun when I was 7, but joined the GB team and competed internationally from the age of 13.
What was your first climbing experience?
My first climbing experience was actually my own birthday party when I was 7. I’d picked pretty much every sport under the sun until then and finally I was old enough to try climbing. Yeah, instantly hooked.
How did you know that climbing was your thing?
I liked the mental and physical challenge I guess. I liked maths and problem solving, I’m quite academic so I liked how it wasn’t just purely physical, there was a bit of brain element into it as well.
Where is your favourite outdoor climb?
I haven’t done a whole lot of outdoor climbing at home, but in the UK it would be Mecca at Raven Tor in the Peak District, and abroad
What has been your proudest climbing moment?
Proudest moment would be getting my first bronze medal at a World Cup. It was in Slovenia last year. It was really special for me, it was just the perfect end to a really good season.
What are your ambitions?
My ambition is to climb for as long as I can and to enjoy it for as long as I can. In the short term I guess it would be nice to be world champion one day, I’m not gonna lie (laughs).
Lead, Speed or Boulder and Why?
Lead, definitely. I feel like there’s less luck and other components involved in it. For me it feels the one generally that if you are the best then you’re gonna come out on top. There’s quite a lot of luck or on the day things that affect speed, I guess you could slip or just have a fall. Or boulder, you might just not like the set, there’s just a lot more factors that come into it. Even though you’ve only got one go on a [lead] route, I think if you’re well prepared you’ll be rewarded for that, and I quite like that. Direct effect for all the hard work you’ve put in.
What are your most liked and hated healthy foods?
Ooh most liked. I make really good protein pancakes, those are probably my favourite ones. They’re really good, like super “gainsy”? If you can eat pancakes every day as part of an athletes healthy diet, I think I’m winning (laughs). Worst food. I hate avocado. I’m one of the few people in this world who do not rate avocado.
If not climbing, what sport would you be doing?
I could say netball as I played county netball for a while but then I’d like to think I would be into athletics. My mum always wanted me to do the heptathlon so maybe that.
Give us an inspiring quote (either yours or someone else’s).
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” –Bobby Unser
For more information about Molly, see her Instagram feed.
