Telford climber Luke scales heights with GB paraclimbing team
A Telford climber has been invited to join the 2019 GB paraclimbing team after a successful try-out.
Luke Smith, who climbs at centres across Shropshire as well as outdoors, joined contenders earlier this month at a session where he impressed a Team GB selection panel.
He has lived with a talipes, or club foot, since birth, and wears climbing shoes of different sizes to accommodate.
Luke, 30, was told last Friday that he would be in the GB team.
He said: "The try-out was really well organised and a great day full of support for every climber, I was nervous and excited. Being in isolation was strange.
"The level of climbing was really high, and waiting to hear back was nervy. When I read the decision I had to double check, I couldn’t believe it.
"Now I feel psyched to train hard and push myself.
"My ultimate ambition is to go to the world championships and get a podium spot."
Luke and his new teammates will attend a selection event later in the year to determine who will compete in events for Britain.
