What Your Favorite Pro Climber Says About You
World Indoor Climbing Competition | Rock Climbing | Training for Climbing | Climbing Tips | bouldering | Comp Climbing
With the IFSC World Cup season ramping up, it's time to indulge in every climber's favorite pastime: comparing ourselves to the pros! Beyond climbing techniques, these athletes have distinct personalities that shine through in their approach to the sport. Which elite comp climber matches your personality and climbing style? Read on to discover your competition climbing spirit animal!
The Methodical Problem Solver: Adam Ondra
On the wall: You approach climbing like a chess game, analyzing every move before you make it. You believe in perfect execution and efficient movement.
In life: You're the friend with color-coded spreadsheets for vacation planning and meticulously researched recommendations. Passionate and sometimes intense, you're not afraid to vocalize your frustrations (though perhaps with fewer distinctive screams than Ondra). You thrive on structure and might get genuinely unsettled when plans change unexpectedly. When you commit to something—a relationship, a project, a goal—you're all in, giving it 100% of your considerable focus.
The Explosive Powerhouse: Janja Garnbret
On the wall: Versatile and adaptable, you excel at everything from delicate slabs to steep overhangs. You make the impossible look easy with unwavering confidence.
In life: You're the person everyone wants on their team—reliable, consistently excellent, and somehow good at everything you try. New job? You'll master it in weeks. New hobby? Somehow you're teaching others within months. Your friends both admire and are slightly intimidated by your seemingly effortless competence. Behind that success is an incredible work ethic that others rarely see—you simply refuse to be anything less than exceptional.
The Tenacious Fighter: Brooke Raboutou
On the wall: Your mental game is as strong as your physical abilities. When working a project, setbacks only increase your determination.
In life: You're the definition of grit. When you commit to something, your persistence becomes your superpower. Friends know that when you say you'll do something, it's as good as done. Your resilience extends beyond climbing—you bounce back from life's disappointments with remarkable speed. While you might be quietly determined rather than loudly confident, those who know you never doubt your ability to overcome obstacles through sheer force of will.
The Dynamic Artist: Tomoa Narasaki
On the wall: Why climb statically when you could dyno? You're known for your explosive, dynamic style and incredible coordination.
In life: You're the friend who says "let's try it" when others hesitate. Spontaneous and creative, you often take the unconventional path and somehow make it work brilliantly. You bring energy and excitement to any group, with an infectious enthusiasm that draws people in. While others might overthink situations, you trust your instincts and natural abilities. Your adaptability serves you well in chaotic situations—where others see problems, you see opportunities for creative solutions.
The Specialist: Sam Watson
On the wall: Your climbing embodies precision and explosive power with laser focus. Olympic bronze medalist and world record holder, Sam has proven that calculated technique creates spectacular results.
In life: You thrive under pressure and have a knack for performing your best when stakes are highest. Friends know you as someone who commits fully to goals, breaking them down into achievable steps. You probably have a competitive streak that extends beyond climbing—board games, sports, or even friendly bets bring out your desire to excel. Despite your achievements, you remain grounded and approachable, with global ambitions. You understand that consistent practice leads to breakthrough moments, applying this philosophy to relationships and career growth alike.
The Elegant Master: Jain Kim
On the wall: Your precision and economy of movement define your style. Like Jain, whose technical mastery has kept her competing at the highest levels despite the rise of new generations of athletes, you understand that efficiency often trumps power.
In life: You embody the principle that grace under pressure is a superpower. Your friends see you as the voice of experience and wisdom, someone who achieves difficult goals through intelligence rather than brute force. You're patient in a world that values immediate results, understanding that some skills take years to perfect. Your approach to challenges is methodical and thoughtful, breaking complex problems into manageable components. You have a quiet confidence that comes from knowing your capabilities through years of testing them. While others might chase the latest trends, you recognize timeless principles that endure beyond fads.
The Enduring Champion: Jakob Schubert
On the wall: You're the embodiment of longevity and adaptability in a sport that constantly evolves. Like Jakob, whose 2024 Olympic medal proved age is just a number, you find ways to reinvent yourself and stay at the top of your game.
In life: You're the friend everyone admires for your staying power and resilience. While others chase trends, you focus on fundamentals that stand the test of time. Your approach combines wisdom gained through experience with an openness to new techniques. You understand that true mastery isn't about quick success but consistent excellence over time. During crises, you're the steady hand everyone turns to—you've seen it all before and know how to navigate the chaos with calm confidence. Your loyalty and persistence make you someone people trust implicitly.
The Unwavering Competitor: Aleksandra Mirosław
On the wall: Speed and efficiency define your climbing. You set clear goals and pursue them with single-minded focus.
In life: You have a talent for identifying exactly what you want and creating clear paths to achieve it. Your friends admire your discipline and commitment to self-improvement. You likely keep track of personal bests in various aspects of life—whether it's running times, work productivity, or other measurable goals. Your structured approach to challenges and consistent follow-through make you someone people rely on. While you enjoy the journey, you're ultimately results-oriented and take satisfaction in tangible achievements.
The Rising Dark Horse: Annie Sanders
On the wall: You bring fresh energy and unexpected strength to every competition. Like Annie, your rapid rise has taken the climbing world by surprise (not to the Texas locals, but you get the point!), but your tenacity and raw talent prove you belong among the elite. You've got endurance for days and aren't afraid to use it to take your time to climb as methodically as you can.
In life: You're the one people underestimate—until they see you in action. What you might lack in years of experience compared to your peers, you make up for with determination and a steep learning curve. You approach challenges with a refreshing mix of humility and quiet confidence. Friends value your authenticity and the way you set ambitious goals without the need for fanfare. You tend to observe before acting, absorbing information and strategies that you later deploy with remarkable effectiveness. Your journey may not have followed the traditional path, but that's precisely what makes your perspective so valuable.
As the World Cup season unfolds, which of these competition climbing phenoms will you be channeling in your own sessions? Whether you're a methodical problem-solver like Adam Ondra or a powerhouse like Janja, embracing your climbing personality can help you leverage your strengths and work on your weaknesses, both on and off the wall! If you're inspired to train like your climbing spirit animal, check out our Peak Performance Team at a gym near you - and adult climbing team designed to help you break your plateau with personalized coaching plans and team practices.
Ready to channel your inner pro climber? Find your nearest Movement location and start climbing today!