Interview

    • Climbing

      When and how did you get into climbing? What keeps you interested? What fascinates you?

      I started climbing in 2020 when a close friend introduced me to the local climbing gym. Since day 1 I’ve been hooked.

      Climbing will always be my no.1 interest. There isn’t a thing I don’t like about it.

      Who was your childhood hero and do you consider yourself a role model now? Does it influence you at all that other people look up to you?

      I’ve never idolised anyone, but I am inspired by others all the time.

      I think I’m a role model for those who have self-doubts. I wouldn’t say I get influenced by what others think about me.

      What have been the most important milestones in your life so far, both in climbing and in everyday life? And did you recognize them immediately as such or only later on?

      My greatest personal milestone so far has been finding rock climbing. I recognised straight away that climbing was going to change my life.

      In terms of climbing milestones, I feel as though my journey has only just begun and know there are many milestones just around the corner...

      What were your greatest failures / setbacks / injuries? How did you cope with them and how did you come back from them?

      I tend to bounce back from injuries relatively quick. But, in 2022 I injured my lower back pretty good and that took me out of climbing for 6 or so months, and that was pretty challenging. I spent lots of time doing rehab, watching Lord of the Rings, and focusing on my next goals ahead.

      What is your favorite climbing related story / experience?

      That would have to be my first climbing trip to Arapiles, Victoria with my younger brother Keith. It was the middle of summer and my brother and I shared a tent at the Pines campground for 2 months in the dry Australian desert heat. I got to share some really funny and memorable experiences with friends that trip. I remember celebrating my birthday with a can of baked beans.

      And climbing in the Frankenjura for the first time was pretty amazing.

    • Training

      Do you have a strict training schedule for when and how you train throughout the year?

      I wouldn’t define it as strict, I structure my training depending on what projects I have.

      What advice can you give to somebody looking to improve their training routine?

      Consistency.

    • Psychology

      Is it possible for anybody to eventually perform a one-armed pull-up or get to the top of the Eiger/Matterhorn, or do you really have to be born for it?

      Yes. You don’t have to be born for it. Anyone can do anything with the right mindset.

       

      How important is it to set goals in professional sports? What are your goals / targets you are working towards in climbing and in life?

      Goals are the most important thing in climbing. One of my current goals is Action Directe which I hope to achieve this year.

    • Future of climbing

      Is there anything you would like to change about the current developments in climbing?

      I hope to see Australia become a climbing destination with internationally recognised hard routes. For that I think we need to encourage more people to come and do some of the toughest projects we have out there. There is so much potential in terms of routes and climbers, I think our climbers just need more support. Its still a young sport here, but it is growing rapidly.

      Where do you see the sport going in the next years, what will change and what is your role going to be in it?

      I see outdoor climbing developing substantially in Australia. And I see myself and others pushing the limits of Australian climbing.