How I Became an Olympian in 3 Days

During 3 days in Laval, France from the 27th to the 29th October 2023, Toby Roberts became the first British male climber to qualify for an Olympic climbing discipline.
Toby follows Shauna Coxsey - Britains first Olympic climber - to become only the second Brit to qualify.
Toby recounts the competition and how 10 years of training and hard work meant that his last climb of the 2023 season would be the most meaningful of his life so far...
#olympics #paris2024 #climbing
Follow Toby on Instagram: / toby_climbing

[@SandbagBouldering]

Can’t help but smile through the whole video. We (anyone that knows climbing in the UK) are unbelievably proud of you. Keep up the epic work and so impressed with your mental game.

[@azersgames6053]

Same! Damn this kid is good

[@jacob171]

@@SandbagBouldering chill bro

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you so much 😆

[@user-nc6vp2ui2l]

Couldn’t take the smile of my face for a second

[@NRM09508]

I’m so proud of you I hope to do this sort of thing in 4 years

[@HOMELESSPIERO]

Beating Adam Ondra and the reigning Olympic champion Gines Lopez to win an IFSC event and qualify for the Olympics - as an 18 year old. Absolutely incredible!

[@oriceane]

Wow that story about the setters giving you that hold you qualified on is one for the history books, and it's such a sweet gesture as well to write messages inside it! Love that ❤ And massive congrats, can't wait to see the British climber smash it in Paris next year 😁

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!! Yes it was so kind of them. See you in Paris 😎

[@jamesgarraduk2243]

First ever pint after becoming an Olympian - definitely deserved 👏

[@TobyClimbing]

It felt good 😎

[@vybz987]

@@TobyClimbingdefinitely wasnt the first pint lmao

[@mathiasdrien2848]

Bro really qualified to the Olympics before he even had a beer 💀😂

[@TobyClimbing]

😉😂

[@HonziH]

Tbh it made me a bit teary. You come back so much stronger after every set back and you absolutely owned the semi and final. I absolutely loved the static movement on final M4, that was something. And as much as I was cheering for you, I wouldn't mind if Alberto won that. His coach was absolute legend congratulating you between firsts I think. Good luck to the future!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you! Yes Alberto’s coach (David) couldn’t have been more humble. Everyone in the competition scene is very supportive 🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@mikeroberts817]

Glad it wasn't just me. Watched this on a lunch break and had to laugh at myself for welling up over a climbing tournament recap video 😂

[@quadily3793]

So proud of you dude, you were a beast on that lead wall. Really shows that never giving up and putting in 110% is what you're about. I know you'll dominate the Olympics 💪

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you, I’ll try my best 😆

[@highonakaya7644]

best part of watching the comp was you reacting to spilling your chalk - one of the funniest moments from the season

[@TobyClimbing]

Everyone relates to that feeling of nailing your chalk bag from the top of the wall, no matter where I put it I always land on it 🤣🤣

[@Fellstr]

Screaming my head off when I watched you top that route live! Epic climb, gold medal 🤞

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you :D

[@NgCaleb]

That hold as a souvenir is legendary. So cool big ups to you can't wait to watch you in paris!

[@adamlong5295]

Congrats man!! As a fellow brit climber - what you're doing is so inspirational and going to do some much for our community in the UK. We all firmly behind you for the olympics!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you! I’ll do my best 😆

[@LateInLifeClimber]

Awesome effort. Many congratulations on qualifying. Looking forward to cheering you on in the Olympics!

[@einarnp]

It was incredible to watch live! And the videos you make are so interesting and inspiring. I’m rooting for you!

[@MarsBar_]

Amazing climbing, huge congratulations for qualifying. Really looking forward to watch you compete in Paris! 🎉

[@benedekfodor269]

Great vide, and amazing performance out there, it's crazy what a good mindset can do for you, definitely keed that up at the Olympics! I will be rooting for you!

[@benevans5454]

Just awesome. Loved your dad shouting his head off at the end. Proud moment. Roll on Paris!!!

[@juancristi376]

Congratulations Toby! You were amazing in that last lead! Its great to listen you share your experience in the comp :)

[@thatstohot]

It's a joy to follow your journey here on KZbin. Besides delivering top-notch climbing your work on the production behind each video is fantastic. You're great at talking to the camera and describing your feelings. That's the real enjoyment of following you here on KZbin. You're also a great role model with your personality, which is incredibly fun to see. Keep up the great work!

[@amytrinh267]

So amazing following your journey. I just love your try hard mentality and it’s so inspiring how far you can get by giving everything your absolute best and having fun! I will definitely be cheering for you in the Olympics! Congrats!

[@nickdefrancis]

Just got around to watching this. Great stuff Toby, you’re such a grounded and positive person, it’s so inspiring to see this. I’ll definitely be rooting for you in Paris. Good luck!!

[@Juliaaa05k]

Soo cool to hear your thoughts and talk us through the process. And such a great way to win with that top of the lead route. Well deserved! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!!

[@Flo-sz8cu]

What a cool guy. Amazing performance and glad to see your hard work pays off. Hope to see more on this channel and success stories in future comps ✌️

[@bigmonkeman66]

Massive congrats man, that was absolutely incredible. Seeing you fighting like that and your father shouting at the end made for an emotional killer combo ^^ I think the thing that strikes me the most is your mentality. How can anyone not let the pressure from a hugely important comp like this get to them? My guess is you're a wizard. Anyway, keep giving it your all, and keep crushing! 💪

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you! It’s definitely a difficult skill to learn but just going out and enjoying it really helped me:) it was definitely an emotional comp and I’m glad that came across!

[@zoevie486]

cried for like half of the video so so emotional 😭 esp that father and son hug😢 good luck toby rooting for you🔥！！！

[@francescprat8227]

So so happy for you!!! It's going to be exciting to follow and support you along the way!!! Congratulations and keep having fun (and climbing hard!!l ;)

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you! I will 😎🤩

[@maxwhiteley7667]

Well done Toby, was watching live and you smashed it, made my day

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you :D glad you enjoyed!

[@fmoraes]

So lovely to see your emotions and how composed and strong you were during this competition. I had the pleasure of watching you compete in Koper and I am so glad to see you qualify for Paris. And your dad screaming his lungs out at the end is priceless. Well done!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thanks! Koper was a great comp, hope you enjoyed :) His voice didn’t appreciate it after 😂

[@TheFlyingMole01]

Congratulations Toby! Great mindset, keep it up!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!!

[@MikasanLi]

It was absolutely amazing to see all of that happen live through the stream. Such good work, very well deserved win. Hope it goes just as well for the Olympics!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you, yess I’m psyched to train hard for Paris 😎

[@epincion]

Huge congratulations to you and all those who support you directly. I watched the Laval champs live and with bated breath and the result was the best I could have hoped for.

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed 😊

[@MiguelOliveira87]

Legend! What a fantastic job. It's wonderful to see your path through this video. Keep being so grounded and enjoy the moment. all the best!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you! I’ll do my best 😎

[@theweeniemobile]

been looking forward to this since watching laval, so excited to see you in the olympics!!!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!

[@GSca4]

Well done Toby :) well deserved! I watched the whole competition and you smashed it!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you:))

[@dreadcoil]

so proud of you toby! keep up the hard work!!🙌💪💪💪💪

[@TobyClimbing]

I’ll try my best! Thank you 😆

[@PotatoSalad11]

Absolutely delighted for you Toby. It's been a privilege following your journey this season on KZbin and seeing how you develop and learn from each competition. Whatever you did in Laval, remember it for the Olympics! If you can get in the same headspace you have every chance of a massive result. SO exciting to have a British climber providing such massive results. You've genuinely provided some all-time great moments in climbing comps this season. My 2 year old son learnt to shout "go Toby" as you were on the lead wall 😂.

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the KZbin content. I’ll continue to try my best 😊 Haha that’s great to hear, all the support is appreciated :)

[@seaoc6578]

I'm so bloody hyped for you mate! Been following your progress through the junior climbing scene and into seniors, and you're such a great climber and guy. So hyped that you'll be representing Britain. Love from Ireland!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate all the support 😆

[@Climbing8813]

So excited to watch you in the Olympics!! You are such an inspiration!!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thanks 😆

[@teidaa]

Such a beautiful final climbing and one epic performance on the lead!! Well done Toby and enjoy your very well deserved holiday :)

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!! Oh I will, a week of nothing is calling my name 🤣

[@amarshall1323]

I'm so proud watching this, you looked so calm and confident throughout the whole competition it was amazing to see. You can really see how much growth you've had just over this season, climbing with so much intelligence

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you, learning and adapting through the season is an important skill so I’m happy it showed 🙏🏼😆

[@peterhu7039]

Super respect to your attitude and mindset towards the comps and just only focusing on the climbing! Keep it up man!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you! I’ll try my best 🫡

[@PedroGarcia-hr7gb]

Congratulations men!!! So excited for you, I knew you would classify I was betting on it! Can´t wait to see you in Paris 2024.

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you, and I can’t wait to compete there! Thanks for the support 😊

[@RobinBrouwer]

Congrats on the ticket! 🔥 Such an amazing performance. I was cheering you on from my couch the whole time. Keep having fun on the wall and enjoy the Olympics. 😄

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you! I’ll try my best 🤩

[@mathiasgregoire4675]

The level of maturity you display is simply amazing. Congrats Toby, you deserve it! Can't wait to see you in Paris.

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you, I can’t wait!!

[@stephenbyrne7547]

Sooooo pleased for you, very well done 👏🏼

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you 🤩😆

[@russellbrooks5073]

Big congrats man! We all you supporting from the sideline.

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you for the support, I really appreciate it 😆

[@davidkettle8774]

On that final head wall I got really emotional!! 😂 Toby's dad's joy was brilliant to hear!!

[@chrismorrall5005]

So so pleased for you Toby. It was phenomenal watching you competing in Leval and what a finish to the comp to blow everyone away on the lead wall like that. So glad you showed your dad's footage and screaming as you approached the headwall and topped out. Can't wait to see you next season. Train hard and give it your all 💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you, I’m happy you enjoyed the show. It was really emotional at the end and I’m happy I was able to pull it off. Thanks for the support 😆🤩

[@emmanueljego9540]

Seeing you in Laval was just awesome, a show I will remember for a long time for sure! Congrats again :)

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed :D

[@westpacificmarketanalytics2384]

May GOD BLESS your journey Toby, you inspire me and all of us!!!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you 😊

[@HakonSylte]

Definitely one of, if not, the best moment in competition climbing ever! You’re a huge inspiration for the young generation of climbers (which includes me). Congrats man!👊

[@TobyClimbing]

Wow thanks a lot, I’ll try hard to make some more cool movements :D

[@whitegoose5939]

Congratulations Toby watched it up late in Australia!! You've become my favourite male climber to watch on the tour so happy for you!!!!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you so much :))

[@lordtyrions345]

I just love your climbing!!! Truly inspiring❤❤

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank youuu

[@climbing_thomas]

we are so happy for you toby! it was so nice to see you win, we were screaming so much and we are not even from the UK haha, we are from austria! and hopefully tomorrow your best friend, sorato anraku will qualify as well!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed. Looks like he pulled it of 💪🏼😎

[@retrun813]

All the best Toby! You’re the inspiration! Btw you’re so natural in front of the camera!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!!

[@andrearamirezreyes3055]

I knew it! I believe in you since the beggining. I cry again!! I am so happy and proud of you. Thanks to you and your dad for the amazing videos. I seeend you a big hug from México. I aaaaaam really happy for you. Bern was so heartbreaking but i knew that you are going to be an olimpian sooner or later. Have a nice rest. You really desserved

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you so much! Yes I worked hard after Bern to get into shape for this comp, I’m happy it worked out 🤩

[@duddrz]

Hugeeee congrats Toby!!! 🎉 I can’t stop smiling right now! Looking forward to your gold medal at the Olympics! 🤞

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you! I’m ready to give it everything 😤

[@mikenluke]

Come back to this video every so often to relive the journey with you, you're going to smash it at the Olympics, we'll all be cheering you on! Always remember, dreams really do come true!

[@fabiosuarez144]

Literally cried on your last top. What a final. Congrats man. Looking forward to seeing you compete at the Olympics!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you, I can’t wait to compete 🤩

[@adamnorton3506]

Watched the climb with my 5 year old son who has just started climbing. You are inspiring young man, God bless you!

[@TheRackdog]

Well done Toby, your a humble young man and your parents will be super proud of you and not just because you qualified but for the man you have become. Good luck 👊

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you so much 😊

[@polkawillneverdie2159]

loved hearing your dad cheering you on the last few moves, thanks for all the inspiration!

[@TobyClimbing]

It was emotional! Thank you :))

[@stephenquinton9163]

Awesome performance Toby. Enjoy your rest and have a great winter training.

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you :D

[@dinkydave57]

Well done Toby. So inspiring. I am 57 and have been climbing since June. Just a great ambassador to your sport.

[@TobyClimbing]

That’s great to hear, Keep climbing 💪🏼

[@diiidell7608]

absolutely love your videos

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you :D

[@Claudia18915]

Such a nice video, really cool that you've got your Olympic qualifying hold! Loved watching the competition, but watching lead is the most stressful thing xD

[@TobyClimbing]

Yes it’s a great souvenir, I’m so happy I got it 🤩

[@sylvaingilbert6296]

so So SO deserving. You are auch a beast... its so beautiful watching you climb. So inpiring! Keep it up young man 😊 💪💪💪 enjoy your holiday!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you so much!! Yes I will, I’m looking forward to a rest!

[@VinmaiPro]

Nice video, it gave me a lot, thank you

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!

[@ResidentHooook]

Inspirational, Toby. Well deserved.

[@TobyClimbing]

Thanks 😆

[@acalbrecht1]

I was there watching at Laval, one of the few brits in the crowd. We were screaming for you! I dont know how you managed to not let the pressure get to you. We were nervous just watching!! The moves on the lead route where you had to cut loose with the feet (around the 21:14 mark) had us all palms sweating, but then watching you top out at the end was magical. Congratualtions! See you in Paris in 2024!!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you so much, I was just really enjoying the climbing! I’m glad you enjoyed watching. See you in Paris 😎

[@Jonas-yv6lo]

22:56 Wow! who's cutting onions suddenly in my room? Got me emotional seeing you and your dad fulfilling your dreams!

[@TobyClimbing]

It was definitely emotional, a real team effort 😆

[@_alex_y.not_]

Congrats on your first pint! The spot in the Olympics is cool too I suppose. 🎉🎉🎉

[@TobyClimbing]

It was all really about the pint 🤣

[@anishellot76]

You are so strong and congrat 🎉

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!

[@taj_ninny]

nice man, cheers!!

[@mojixcoder]

Well done Toby, you definitely deserved that.🎉❤

[@Noah-wr7od]

your movements looked so smooth. it was crazy I was literally think was he even trying? It was an amazing sight to see, you make those high level moves look so effortless.

[@TobyClimbing]

I was definitely trying 🤣😉

[@diamondminerz8337]

Let's go Toby!!!

[@G.Giorgio]

Very interesting!

[@jeffreychongsathien]

Watching Toby qualify live was epic. What a finish.

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!!

[@pedalinpete]

Wow! What a step up since Bern. Well done!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!

[@Henry_Lovegrove]

Toby has made our country so so proud!!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you 🇬🇧🥺

[@liangfamily]

Now that both of you qualified, please do a video with Sorato!! You pair gonna dominate for the next decade

[@jonathandeleyser1782]

Seems like you have a great attitude! Keep it up!

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you!!

[@grzegorzcichosz8240]

lovely video ❤

[@plowestv]

Excited for you Toby and great film, well done! On day 1 do you get to know your standing after the boulder round before the lead? Nice to hear that you can actually recognise the improvements that you have made in technique. Maybe that means they are significant leaps forward rather than the usual and unnoticeable tiny improvements of elite athletes? Wow, that final climb was simply amazing :-) Bravo!

[@sean6387]

I am so happy for you that you enjoy competing so much. Such a mindset will take you very far and very high. Congratulations Toby. Enjoy the beers and burgers. 😉

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you! Yes I will 😎

[@EricLarocque]

Bravo Magnifique! Great work Toby👏👏🙌🙌💪💪💪🔥🔥🔥💖💫🇨🇦🤙

[@TobyClimbing]

Merci 🙌

[@maud959]

I was there! As much as I was rooting for the french climbers, you were so fun to watch and so GOOD. Congratulations :)

[@TobyClimbing]

I’m happy it was a good show 😆

[@Arunnn241]

Amazing story and sequence of events. I can't wait to see you in Paris. A bit of advice from someone whos gotten some of that media attention before, just take it with a grain of salt! Your family and friends are your biggest supporters and the only people who matter!

[@jonathanstudentkit]

nice video format

[@niekerlai8454]

congratulations tobert

[@aliyaclare]

That upper wall section and Toby's dad's jubilation! Everything.

[@vassilaeva8081]

My son in law is British named Toby and I am Greek like your grandpa ! You made us so proud. Go Toby go!🎉

[@TobyClimbing]

Crazy 🤣 ευχαριστώ πολύ

[@brendanacord]

Way to bounce back and make working on the weaknesses fun! I was so psyched to watch you at this comp! Any outdoor plans for the offseason or is it back to training after a holiday?

[@TobyClimbing]

I’m glad you enjoyed! No outdoor plans for me this year, just focusing on Paris 😎 but after I am psyched

[@Dorkkyy95]

Love the fight you got in you dude. 💪 Come the fuck on 💪💪

[@elsiefisher5932]

Cried at the end ❤❤❤❤

[@rush163ds9]

npc

[@TheMrMopsy]

3:42 I wonder if there's room for another Toby in Storror?

[@TobyClimbing]

😉😂

[@RyaMM____]

Did I just shed a couple tears at the gym? No, my eyes are sweating because the kilter board is hard

[@aidanscarffe5256]

hahaha when you get so pumped you think you must be injured . Nice work man!

[@TobyClimbing]

🤣🤣 it was scary

[@spaceshipable]

Nout like a well earned pint! Congrats Toby!

[@colosseer4184]

Massive congratulations and what a boost to enter winter training. Are you considering doing some outdoor bouldering/climbing during the offseason?

[@TobyClimbing]

Thank you :D nope, straight into hard training for me 😎