Interview

  • Climbing

    When and how did you get into climbing and what kept you interested / fascinated in the sport?

    I first discovered climbing when I was 8 years old. Through gymnastics, we had the chance to try climbing as a special event, and my parents were told I had a natural talent for it and should join a regular group. Around the age of 12, I moved into a more dedicated training group and entered a few competitions – but at the time, it didn’t feel like the right path for me.

    Instead, I shifted my focus to coaching and developed a passion for alpinism. For many years, I shared my knowledge with others and explored the mountains in all their forms.

    In 2025, I found my way back into competition climbing – this time in paraclimbing – and competed in my very first World Cup.

    What I love about climbing is that it constantly offers new challenges and new ways to explore both the world and myself. It’s about discovering what your body and mind can do, traveling to incredible places, and meeting inspiring people. There’s always another project to work on, another summit to reach, another boundary to push. Climbing tests you physically and mentally, yet even though the competition is fierce and everyone is chasing gold, the community always supports one another.

    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?

    There have been a few people who have inspired me over the years – among them Philipp Hans and Laura Dahlmeier. I’m not that much younger than them, but their dedication and achievements have motivated me in recent years.

    I’ve also always looked up to Marie Curie. I can’t even say exactly why, but her story and determination have always inspired me.

    One day, I would love to be a role model myself – to help young people find their own path and discover who they are. I believe that guiding and inspiring others would also shape and influence me in a profound way.

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

    Everyday life
    Traveling the world alone at 18 – at the time, I didn’t fully realize it, but it helped me grow immensely and opened my eyes to a different way of life and joy.

    Becoming Vice President of the DLRG Stuttgart – this time, I recognized its impact immediately. The role gave me a broad network and a safe environment to gain leadership experience. I learned a great deal, and letting go of this chapter has shaped me into the person I am today.

    Climbing
    Competing in my first World Cup in Salt Lake City, feeling the support of the team, and diving deeper into the paraclimbing community connected me with the sport on a whole new level.

    Over the years, I’ve introduced several friends to the world of alpinism. Some have since become trusted mountain partners, yet they still come to me for advice – something that makes me proud and happy.

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

    I have never been seriously injured.
    When I first stepped into competition climbing, I quickly realized that I couldn’t keep up with the rapidly rising level of performance. At that time, it was hard to anticipate the impact of my impairment and adapt in a way that would allow me to compete equally. I often had to watch my friends compete and win medals while I finished in last place.

    Even though it was difficult, I’m proud that I never quit climbing. I stayed connected to the sport and, over time, managed to rediscover my joy for it – a joy that now fuels my journey in paraclimbing.

     

    What is your favorite climbing related story / experience?

    There are many :-)

  • Training

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

    Kind of – I focus on the basics and specific strength training during the winter to improve my overall climbing performance. In spring, I try to visit as many gyms as possible and work on my onsight level. Between competitions, I focus on addressing weaknesses, while in summer I spend as much time outdoors as I can. Being outside helps me relax, recharge, and regain focus for the next competition.

    My routine also includes daily mobility work, a solid amount of cardio, and compensatory training to keep my body balanced and resilient.

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

    Consistency and fun – the best training schedule won’t work if there’s no joy in it. Staying consistent is important, but enjoying the process is what truly keeps you going.

    What do you think of indoor climbing gyms in relation to climbing on actual rock?

    I’ve never been overly passionate about sport climbing outdoors, but it offers a different perspective on climbing, and I believe everyone should include it from time to time. There are a few places I truly enjoy climbing outside, but for me, training primarily happens in the climbing gym.

    Are you able to do a one-arm pull-up? How about a single finger?

    Not yet – working on it (both).

    How much of the success as a pro climber is due to show and how much due to actual climbing skill?

    Strength and skill are crucial and should never be neglected. But to handle the audience and the publicity during competitions, you also need a certain ability to engage with the media. Nowadays, the “show” aspect is becoming more and more important.

    So yes – you need both. Still, I hope the focus will always remain on the actual skill and performance of the climber.

  • Climbing 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?

    One-armed pull-up – yes, definitely. With enough training and dedication, it’s achievable for anyone.

    Climbing the Matterhorn or the Eiger – well, more and more people are reaching the summit of Mount Everest, and alpinism is becoming increasingly accessible. Still, I believe there will always be certain mountain tops and certain routes that are reserved for those truly born for it.

    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 important to maintain focus and consistency. With a clear goal in mind, training and pushing through challenges often becomes easier. But a goal isn’t everything – sometimes we simply need to enjoy the moment.

    I would love to reach a point of financial independence, allowing me to spend less time working and more time in the mountains. I dream of standing on a World Cup podium at least once, but I’d also love to be the first person to ascend a new climbing route.

    How do you deal with extremely hard climbing problems? Do you ever get frustrated and give up on them or do they motivate you even more?

    I do get frustrated, and there have been times when I’ve given up. But I try to stay creative and find solutions that work for me – I don’t like leaving projects unfinished.

  • Future of rock climbing

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

    I like that climbing is becoming more and more popular and accessible to a wide range of people, but I believe there should be limits. Alpinism is inherently dangerous and requires skill and preparation. Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in mountain rescue operations and fatalities.

    Climbing and alpinism have so much to offer, and I encourage people to go out and experience them – but always with care, respect, and mindfulness.

    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 believe we will see a rise in paraclimbing participation as the sport becomes part of the next Paralympics.

    The changing climate will certainly have an impact on outdoor climbing and alpinism.

    There is a lot of potential in where the sport is heading, and I’m excited to see its development. I will do my best to encourage young climbers to reach for the stars and to introduce them to mindful mountaineering.