Professional climber and J. Athletics Ambassador Hannah Schubert takes you into her world today, the world of climbing. Her brother Jakob Schubert, multiple overall World Cup winner and world champion, is her great role model. Because of him, she started climbing and just like him, she wants to climb the climbing Olympics.
How it all began
"Climbing has always fulfilled me completely".
Today I am 23 years old, a two-time World Youth Champion and a member of the Austrian International Climbing Team.
I gained my first climbing experience in the club. It was clear relatively quickly that I had talent and so I was accepted into the Climbing Team Innsbruck, the squad of the Alpine Club Innsbruck, at the age of 7. From then on I took part in competitions and things really took off.
Having an older and very successful brother has always been a huge support for me. He showed me how to master defeats, bad training sessions, injuries and all the hurdles you face in the best possible way. Jakob was and is always a great role model for me. His approach, motivation and passion for climbing are contagious. When you watch him, you can see that he has an extreme amount of fun climbing. His determination and discipline are also unique. All of this, and of course a little luck, is needed to become truly successful in climbing. To experience someone with this passion for climbing up close is not only fascinating, but also extremely motivating. I am eternally grateful to my big brother for that.
I have also achieved a lot so far! I am especially proud of my 2 youth world championship titles in rope climbing 2012 and 2014! In addition, I have already stood several times on the podium of the European Youth Championships and have made it into several World Cup finals. My best climbing experience for me was in 2018 in the final in Kranj (SLO), where I climbed to my first World Cup podium.
The forced break from competition due to Corona was of course not very pleasant. However, Corona also had something good. Because as a professional climber you are mostly in halls or at least climb mainly on artificial walls. Therefore, I used to be out on the rock very little.
Corona forced me to go climbing outdoors more. This made me more aware of a completely different side of climbing. No colorful holds mounted on artificial walls, but real rock, in the middle of nature. That has a completely different quality and is a very special experience. Many people use rock climbing to clear their heads and at the same time do something for their fitness. This is exactly what rock climbing is all about.
"Rock climbing really clears my head".
If you've already had a few successes like I have, then of course you still want to get back into competition as quickly as possible. The self-confidence that I have built up through my successes in the past is still there. I know that I have already made it among the best and I definitely want to get back there.
"Always remember what you've accomplished so far, never give up and do your thing!"
Negative thoughts have no place in climbing. They would interfere with the body awareness you need as a climber. As with any sport, strength alone is no guarantee of success in climbing. In addition to the mental aspects, it requires good coordination skills, agility and also endurance.
What are the benefits of the Olympics?
Sport climbing will celebrate its Olympic premiere in Tokyo 2021. Here, the best men and women will compete in the Olympic combination consisting of lead, bouldering and speed. Two athletes from each country could qualify. From Austria, my brother Jakob and Jessica Pilz will take part.
Your chances? Hard to say. Due to the few competitions in the last months, a real forecast is not really possible. The combination of 3 climbing disciplines held at the Olympics doesn't exactly make it easier to give a real tip. Nevertheless, I definitely count Jakob among the medal contenders. I hope that I am not wrong.
The next Olympic Games are already waiting for us in 2024. Hopefully, I will be able to make this journey together with Jakob.
Successes Hannah Schubert
2012 Youth World and European Champion
2013 3rd place, Youth European Championship
2014 3rd place, Youth European Championship
2014 Youth World Champion
2016 Youth Vice World Champion
2018 3rd place, World Cup Kranj (SLO)
2018 8th place, Home World Championship Innsbruck
