Kilian Fischhuber
KILIAN FISCHHUBER
Boulder and not only
May 10, 2010
His biggest goal for 2010 is a medal in his hometown Innsbruck at the European Championship. Kilian Fischhuber, aged 26, has been reigning in Bouldering for the last six years. Since 2004 he hasn’t missed winning a World Cup, with the exception of 2004 and 2006, when he had to “put up” with a second place. He’s so self confident that you cannot doubt he’ll get what he wants.
Kilian, when did you start climbing?
I started climbing in 1995. It was a small gym in my hometown of Waidhofen that caught my attention. Later I started climbing on rock. Yes, I am a real plastic starter and I am still training a lot on plastic. For this reason I am always happy when I find time to climb on rock. Especially after the World Cup season I spend almost 100% of my climbing time outdoor.
What about training?
I train in Tivoli, Innsbruck. I do bouldering, campus and routes. Half of the season I spend on climbing trips or day-visits of climbing areas, usually Zillertal or Oetzal, the valleys near Innsbruck. Rock climbing and good results motivate me and justify the hours spent in the gym.
Why did you choose bouldering?
Originally I trained for lead as my first discipline. After realizing that I had my chances in bouldering I switched, but today I like to practice both.
You’re a professional athlete, aren’t you?
Yes, I am a professional climber. I am employed by the Austrian Army and I am studying sports and English. The Federation pays for all the expenses at the competitions and the training courses, but a real income I only get from the Military. The rest is sponsoring money.
What does it mean for you being an athlete?
I have duties but I also have advantages. I can do what I want concerning my climbing and I have fun doing so. Sometimes it is hard to be motivated for training but that mood usually only lasts for a few days.
And how do you deal with the stress and tension at competitions?
I remind myself why I am doing it and that it is fun. I like the movements, the people, the events, the atmosphere and so on. Then I concentrate just on myself and on my movements.
Talking about the events, what’s your opinion on their quality?
Competitions deserve better public relations. We need more attention by the media. This can be achieved through more spectacular and professionally planned events. Good music, entertaining speakers, side events, light work, city venues and the like. I like the event in Vail, Colorado, since climbing is part of a big outdoor event with loads of spectators. The organizer is willing to improve, acts flexible and listens to suggestions. The perfect event has not been held yet but I am sure it will be soon!
You've summarized what could make a good showcase for the Olympics… What could the Olympics bring to Sport climbing?
The Olympics would increase the advertisement and sponsorship revenues and give more athletes the chance to become professionals. I also wish, however, that we could achieve this goal without changing the "heart of the sport" too much. I can agree to some changes in the rules to make climbing faster, or more predictable for what concerns event timetables. Yet the sport must remain sustainable at its core.
One last word about yourself. How do you spend your free time?
Usually doing some sport, hanging out with friends or enjoying the nature on a walk. I also like reading a lot.
Well, name two of your favorite books.
I have just read two old classics which I really liked: Aldous Huxley’s "Brave new world" and J.D. Salinger’s "The catcher in the rye". Fantastic!
You just said something about enjoying nature… something that comes back in your concept of climbing, too.
Yes, climbing for me is being in the nature, spending time with my friends on a nice day at an incredible cliff, being focused on climbing and relaxed, to have fun.
It seems you see no gap between the indoor and the outdoor…
Concerning what? Beginners, high level climbers or rock stars versus competition heroes?
Well, drop it… What do you mean by “being focused on climbing”?
Sometimes it is hard to explain the most simple things. Climbing is simple but the devotion to it complicated....
Copyright © | Inviate i vostri commenti e suggerimenti a UPclimbing 
credits | privacy