Champion climber sets sights on 2028 Paralympics

Phillips returned to competition this year and is the current British champion

A paraclimber from Guildford is aiming to become one of the first athletes to compete in the sport at the Paralympics.

Matthew Phillips is a three-time time world champion in the AU2 (Upper Arm Amputation) category.

"It's something I dreamed of when I did swimming - to get the opportunity to be one of the first paraclimbers at the Paralympics is another level," said the 25-year-old.

"I'm hoping I can still keep at my previous level and come back, but I know the field has got so much stronger."

Phillips works as a route setter and a climbing instructor as well as competing in the sport

Phillips, who was born with the bottom part of his right arm missing, began competing in 2016 and won world titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

He had retired from competitive climbing, but returned to the sport earlier this year after the announcement it would make its debut at the 2028 Paralympics.

"It raised some serious questions about whether I came back or not, but it's the Paralympics isn't it?" he said.

"I work with a lot of strong and incredibly talented climbers, but I can do moves they can't do because of my arm.

"It's shorter, I can use it as a lever, I can pull on it more, I can burn them off as such."

Born in Farnborough in Hampshire, Phillips lives in Guildford and regularly climbs at Surrey Summit.

He also boulders all over the world as a hobby.

"It's as much a comfortable space for me as it is a competition space, I'd come and climb if there were no competitions," he said.

"It's a peaceful place for me."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.