Paul Smitton

 24, Sheffield

A self confessed limestone lover, Paul can usually be found at Raven Tor. And while his friends may shake their heads in disbelief as he disappears down the dales on perfect grit days, his antics there have propelled him into the UK’s sport climbing elite. He rose to prominence in 2008 with an ascent of Staminaband/Pump up the Power, an 8c+ link up which repelled Moon in his prime. Last year he made the second ascent of the ferociously crimpy Kaabah 8c+, Steve McClure’s third Mecca extension, having already done the other two 8c versions.

On occasion, Paul also climbs elsewhere. He made short work of Bah Bah Black Sheep, 8c+ at Ceuse last summer. He’s climbed End of the Affair E8 6c on the grit. He’s onsighted 8a+ in Ceuse. And he’s flashed Font 8a on the Rotherham limestone.

In 2010 Paul has his sights set on the second ascent of Mutation 9a. A route which has repelled all suitors in its twelve year existence.