Shauna set to rock the Olympics!

SHAUNA COXSEY is Britain’s most decorated climber but she had to adapt her skillset dramatically to make the Olympics. Sport climbing combines two compatible events in bouldering and lead climbing (an endurance, roped event) with the very different discipline of speed climbing (a 15m roped race). ‘My initial reaction was “No way, I’m not doing that,”’ says bouldering specialist Coxsey, 28. ‘Only 20 qualify. It seemed unreachable.’ Qualify she did —now the double world champion wants a successful swansong to her career.