Toby Roberts’ former climbing club have said they are “so proud” of his Olympic gold in the men’s boulder and lead, remembering him as “leaps and bounds” ahead of other youngsters at the club.
Shauna Coxsey, who became Team GB’s first-ever sport climber ahead of Tokyo, called Roberts an “absolute legend” and told of having tears pouring down her face as she watched him take gold.
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.
Coached by his father, Tristian, Roberts spent the pandemic lockdown training on a wall in his Surrey back garden.
The 19-year-old used to climb with Craggy Island Youth Climbing Team, now part of the Spider Climbing Group.
The Blue Spider Climbing team, based in Guildford, said it is “incredible” that Roberts won gold.
“He climbed here when we were Craggy Island for a number of years but he was really talented with outdoor climbing,” they said.
“He loved climbing outdoors with his dad.
“He basically was leaps and bounds ahead of a lot of the kids on the kids’ club and he would come in just with his dad and climb after, outside of that time.
“A lot of people in the centre noticed, obviously, he was insanely good at climbing.”
The team added: “It’s incredible, can’t believe he won gold.
“We’re obviously very proud. That’s awesome.”
After securing his gold, Roberts celebrated by finding and hugging his family – including his sisters Katie and Emma, his mother Marina and his father.
Ms Coxsey said: “Toby Roberts, what an absolute legend. His tenacity, grit and determination is second to none.
“I’ve never known anyone fight as hard on a wall as Toby does, and he is such a deserved winner.
“It was such a proud moment for him, for our sport, for our country, and so far beyond. He’s going to inspire so many people. But, you know, he works so hard. I’ve seen it.
“I’ve seen how much effort he puts in. He really deserved to stand on top of that podium today.
“He gave the best performance, the best climber one, and what a moment it was. I had tears… I tell you I had tears in my eyes… I had tears pouring down my face. I am so, so, so happy for him.”
