Molly Thompson-Smith is a five-time lead climbing national champion. She’s also a commentator extraordinaire. And though she’s suffered her fair share of injury setbacks, she’s bound for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
In short, she’s unstoppable. But it hasn’t always been this way.
As a younger climber finding a foothold in the sport, Molly
preferred to try routes that other women had done before her.
Knowing another woman had done meant she could do it.
Now, her approach is completely changed.
“I want to show other women what’s possible. When I find a climb that no woman has done, I make a point of sending it.”
Finding success in failure
Even the best climbers in the world fall off. The key is realising that falling isn’t failing, as Molly explains. “I suppose you technically do fail every time you fall off, but that’s not how I see it anymore. Failing is how you gain information, how you progress. It’s made me a better climber, and a better person.”
Follow my lead
From following other female climbers when she was younger to leading the way today, one of Molly’s primary motivations is helping other women to dispel their doubts. “I’ve been there, I know how it feels so I hope young girls can look at me and think, ‘If Molly can do that, so can I.”
“Giving women the confidence to go and do something they think is too hard for them, that’s what I want to do.”
Never Stop Her.
Not a demand to those who standing in our way.
But a message from those paving it.
Three simple words, and so much more.
Words of encouragement. Votes of confidence.
Heartfelt assurance that you can do this.
No race too long. No move too hard.
No pressure around you. No ceiling above you.
Take it from us. There are no limits.
Save for the ones you set yourself.
Never Stop Camilla
Camilla Moroni
Never Stop Ida
Ida-Sophie Hegemann