About to set out on one of his most anticipated climbs yet, Hamish McArthur will represent Team GB at the Paris Olympic Games at 9am today (Monday).
Hamish’s climbing talents have always been obvious, from exploring trees at primary school to being crowned double world junior champion in 2021. At just 23 years old, he’s taken the climbing scene by storm.
Despite the expected pressure that comes with Team GB status, Hamish has tapped into a new approach to climbing, rooted more in fun rather than results and expectations.
His dad, York businessman Angus McArthur, revealed: “He won’t half-heartedly be going to Paris – he’s going wanting to win because he can’t do anything at 50 or 70 percent.
“But if it doesn’t quite go to plan then he’ll be OK, as he’s found a freedom in enjoying other things like painting, reading and cookery.”
Having been climbing since the age of five, Hamish first represented his country as part of Team GB junior climbing squad at 12 years old. He was the youngest member on the team.
Previously a regular at York Climbing Wall Red Goat, Hamish now shares his climbing schedule between The Bloc, and The Big Depot, both in Leeds.
Nikki May, owner of Red Goat, spoke to YorkMix: “Hamish has always been on another level, go slay!”
Opting out of staying in the Olympic Village, Hamish is sharing an apartment with his Team USA girlfriend Quinn, and is joined in Paris by mum Jill, friends, and 15 family members from across the country.
Good luck Hamish!