Matthew Fall and Rafe Stokes have become the first ever men to represent Team GB at sport climbing.
The speed climbing specialists shone through to the quarterfinals of the men’s speed category at the 2023 European Games in Poland as the sport, which made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, continues to make an impact.
Now, on its European Games launch, five of our strongest and best climbers are out in Poland ready to stamp their mark ahead of Paris 2024, with Fall and Stokes already writing themselves into the history books.
Rafe Stokes
The current British Record holder, Stokes is the definition of a rocket when it comes to speed climbing. At the recent Seoul World Cup, the climber scaled the 15m wall in a staggering 5.64 seconds to break his previous record.
Stokes has been climbing since the age of four and is both a keen speed climber and boulderer.
After a devastating fall at the end of 2021, in which he suffered a broken arm, fractured foot and two fractured vertebrae, Stokes has been climbing back up the world rankings ahead of the 2023 European Games.
After a strong performance in the qualification eliminations in Krakow, Stokes fell early against Austria’s Lukas Knapp, who went on to claim gold.
“Today was incredible,” Stokes said.
“I’m a little disappointed in my quarterfinal performance but that’s how it goes when you’re on the circuit like this.
“Falls, slips happen – that’s the beauty of sport climbing.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic about where the sport is going. To see that we’re our own thing, it’s growing in popularity and in competition, it’s beautiful to see.”
Matthew Fall
Fall started climbing in his hometown of Edinburgh at a later age than most. Naturally built to gain muscle, the speed climber took to the wall in his teens after building up his physical power.
The 21-year-old is one of the best speed climbers in Britain, finishing 21st at his home World Cup in Edinburgh back in September.
Last year, Fall was a contestant on Ninja Warrior UK, showcasing his strength and dynamism by finishing third overall.
Fall was denied a semifinal spot by Pierre Rebreyend in Poland, finishing just 0.630 seconds behind the Frenchman.
“To be part of this multisport Games is just incredible,” Fall said.
“It’s the first time any male Team GB athlete has been part of sport climbing so that was really special.
“You’re only the first once!
“I got off to a bit of a shaky start to say the least, but total emotional rollercoaster to make it through that round of 16.
“In the round of 16 I thought I’d lost because Mattias Zurloni is an absolute legend in the sport and one of the fastest on the scene right now.
"I didn’t realise I’d taken the win until I was about halfway down.”