Hammersmith’s Olympians, Molly Thompson-Smith and Molly Caudery, Reflect on Paris Challenges
Hammersmith’s sporting talents took centre stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with local heroes Molly Thompson-Smith and Molly Caudery giving it their all in their respective events. Molly Thompson-Smith, a seasoned climber who embraced the sport at just seven years old, faced fierce competition on the new rock wall but finished 19th, missing out on the final. Despite the the Olympians disappointment, Molly remains positive, highlighting the exposure that rock climbing has gained through the Olympics. She noted that while her performance wasn’t what she’d hoped, the opportunity to represent her country on such a stage was a significant achievement. “It’s been a tough road to get here, but regardless of what happens, I’m so proud I made it,” the Hammersmith Olympian shared.
Molly’s connection to Hammersmith runs deep. She spent her childhood in the area, where her mother worked as a teacher at Addison Primary School. Her early years were marked by a passion for sports, representing Hammersmith & Fulham in trampolining at the London Youth Games. Although she didn’t advance to the final, Molly’s journey in rock climbing is far from over. With five UK national competition lead climbing championships under her belt and two international bronze medals, she remains determined to continue pushing the limits of her sport.
Meanwhile, another Hammersmith athlete, pole-vaulter Molly Caudery, faced her own set of challenges at the Stade de France. Despite being one of the favourites, Molly couldn’t find her form, narrowly missing out on a place in the finals. Her attempts at 4.55m didn’t go as planned, with her last effort dislodging the bar as she landed. Reflecting on her performance, Molly expressed her heartbreak but remained resolute, saying, “I’ll use this, I’ll learn from this. I’ll try to come back stronger.” At just 24, Molly’s future in athletics is bright, and she’s already setting her sights on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
As these local athletes reflect on their experiences, the community back home continues to rally behind them. For those inspired to get active, there’s still time to participate in the free water sports training at Fulham Reach Boat Club, part of Hammersmith & Fulham’s Summer in the City programme. Information here. And for those eager to catch the last moments of the Paris Olympics, Westfield Square in Shepherds Bush and Lyric Square in Hammersmith offer perfect spots to watch the action unfold on the big screen.
Hammersmith may not have seen its Olympic dreams fully realised this time, but the spirit and determination of its athletes continue to inspire. Both Mollys have shown that setbacks are just another step in the journey, and with their eyes set firmly on the future, there’s no doubt they’ll be back, stronger than ever.
