Vertical-Life
Maja Vidmar Interview
World Cup 8a.nu 2 8 8 3 18 2 10 -
www.MajaVidmar.com (19) is the new dazzling superstar from Slovenia. She is #2 in the World Cup 2005 (5, 3, 3, 2, 4) and has onsighted several 8a's. Compared to most climbers, this talented young women trains a lot (seven days a week) and she is far stronger than she appears to be. We believe that her secret is the hand-feet* sessions and maybe that could be an explanation to why Slovenia, with only 2 millions inhabitants, has some of the best female climbers in the world.
Slovenia: Best
females in the world
2005
ranking
Maja Vidmar (85)
Lucka Franko (83)
Martina Cufar (77)
Natalija Gros (84)
Mina Markovic (87)
Junior world champion
How and When did you start climbing?In primary school, 7 years ago, I became aware of free climbing for the first time. I liked it very much and since then I have dedicatet most of my spare time to climbing.
Any good crags beside Misja pec?
Yes, in Slovenia there are many good crags, such as Kotecnik, Bohinjska bela...but I prefer Misja Pec because there are many nice routes.
Which is the best crag you have visited?
Last year I went to Kalymnos, which I must say is my favourite climbing place right now. There are many nice routes, and I hope I can return to Kalymnos soon.
Any special trainer or program?
My personal trainer is Roman Krajnik and I have climbed with him since the beginning. He has a special program for me and it suits me very well. Mostly I train on a small boulder wall in the gym, but if it is possible I go outside and practise on rock. Between competitions I train only endurance and power-endurance, predominantly on long routes. However, in the beginning of the year I mostly practice fitness, which improves my power skills.
What do you like the most with competitions?
Competitions are special to me. Every competition is difficult and it excites me, I like that. If I manage to perform well, it gives me even more satisfaction. Also, at competitions you get a chance to meet a lot of new and interesting people and visit a lot of new places.
What is your best climbing memory?
One of my best memories is from Aprica 2002, when I came 2:nd and got my first medal. Besides that, I really like competing in Serre Chevalier. Every year they create a great event and a competition that is really enjoyable.
Describe a perfect climbing day?
Igo to a new climbing spot where there are many beautiful and hard routes. The weather is sunny and warm. When I start climbing I feel very strong and by the end of the day I do some hard routes, which makes me happy.
Any special dreams, plans or goals?
Currently my goal is to win one of the world cup competitions and to be among the top-3 in the world cup 2005. Outdoors I just want to climb some hard routes.
How do you finance your climbing?
I don't have a lot of expenses since my federation covers all my costs at world cup competitions. My individual climbing I pay with money that I win at the competitions and Scarpa supplies my climbing shoes.
*Hand/Foot means that she only does very big moves with the same holds both for the hands and for the feet.
Training during competition season
Monday - Running
Thusday - 30 Hand/Foot moves
Wednesday- 70 moves routes
Thursday - Running
Friday - 70 moves routes
Saturday - 30 Hand/Foot moves
Sunday - 70 moves routes
www.majavidmar.com