Sam Weir does From Dirt Grows The Flowers (8C)

Sam Weir, who last week did his fourth 8C+, has repeated Dave Graham’s classical From Dirt Grows The Flowers (8C) in Chironico. The 31-year-old works full time as a proposal/ contract manager in the nuclear field and interestingly, he has no sponsor, and all his 8C+’, he has done the last two years.

Can you tell us more about the ascent?
Yeah, I tried it a session in 2019 and fell on the mantle. Then last week I fell due to cold hands in the middle a few times… Came back a week later, gave a few tries on Arrival of the Birds (9A), went down the hill and it went right away. It fits me really well and this heel hook match at the lip was my crux actually😂 Luckily I found and copied D Woods beta and made it chill for me.

How many sessions have you put in and what is the project status on AOB?
It’s going super well so hopefully I stay injury free and can make it count while I’m still young enough 😅

How does a normal climbing week look like?
Right now I’m trying to be in outdoor shape so I train hard Monday weights and board. Wednesday light big holds session/ anti style blocs. Then rest 2 days for Saturday outside. Sometimes Sunday too if I feel ok.

Do you normally train in a climbing gym?
No, just a 53 degree board in a warehouse I rent with some friends in the Chamonix region.

How long is the drive to Chironico and are you going also next weekend?
If my split heals, yes. 4.30 hours driving, but I’m American so it’s close 😂. We have a close friend that lives in Ticino and hosts us. It’s for this reason I have been able to succeed this year. Game changer.