EP 263: Adam Ondra
Mar 10, 2025
Soudain Seul 9A/V17, Photo by Petr Chodura © Adam Ondra
Adam Ondra is the greatest climber of all time. We talked about his trip to Smith Rock in 2018, onsighting Just Do It, what he was like as a kid, his 9c projects, Soudain Seul 9A, the Imhotep project, how he trains for long boulders vs routes, the Olympics, The Dawn Wall, climbing ethics, the monster within, why he thinks he can push his level for 7 more years, and much more.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Patreon:
Become a Patron
We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:
Michael Roy and Mark and Julie Calhoun
Sponsors:
Rúngne:
core-api.club.co/s/mgJAdCRcYDhTk
👆 Join the Rúngne community & start earning.
Use code “NUGGET” to get 10% off storewide.
Mad Rock:
Use code “NUGGET10” at checkout for 10% off your next order.
Arc’teryx:
Check out the NEW Kragg Collection. Cotton clothing made for climbing.
AG1:
Use this link to get a free year's supply of vitamin D + 5 travel packs.
YouTube:
The Nugget is on YouTube!
youtube.com/@thenuggetclimbing (SUBSCRIBE HERE)
Show Notes:
Related Podcast Episodes:
References:
Adam’s Links:
Nuggets:
00:00:00 – Intro
00:00:34 – Onsighting ‘Just Do It’
00:05:13 – Rock Stars
00:07:26 – Adam as a kid
00:15:14 – Unfinished business
00:18:49 – Unclimbed 9c projects
00:23:50 – Untapped potential
00:27:25 – Soudain Seul & other 9As
00:31:17 – The Imhotep project
00:39:55 – Training for long boulders
00:43:43 – Training for sport climbing
00:46:19 – Golpe de Estado
00:48:40 – Patxi training
00:51:07 – Modern comp routes
00:54:29 – Feelings about comps
00:58:32 – Weight for lead comps
01:05:41 – The Olympics
01:07:40 – Speed climbing
01:09:45 – The Dawn Wall
01:21:02 – Adam’s ethics
01:25:54 – Projects in Yosemite & Smith Rock
01:28:30 – Satisfaction with his career
01:32:50 – The monster within
01:36:48 – 7 more years & endless routes
01:38:50 – 8a at 80
01:40:23 – How climbing grades scale
01:41:59 – Finger size
01:45:09 – Hugo
01:46:44 – Letting kids do risky things
01:48:15 – What’s next
01:49:21 – Wrap up