Despite Soaring Miles High Above the Ground, Rock Climbing Prodigy’s Humble Attitude Earns “Huge Respect” Among Fans

After Alex Honnold, very few rock climbers have pushed the limits of their sport as Adam Ondra has. This 29-year-old from the Czech Republic is already a prodigy in rock climbing. However, it’s his down-to-earth nature, along with his climbing skills, that makes him a favorite among his fans and peers. In a recent update, Ondra once again won the hearts of many, after failing to climb an independent rock tower in Italy.

The Excalibur in Arco, Sarca Valley, Italy is a short and steep sheet of limestone rock with very minimal holds. Adam Ondra recently shared a clip detailing his experience of climbing the rock before eventually giving up. Here’s how the fans reacted.

Fans hail Adam Ondra for embracing his failure like a true champion

Adam Ondra visited Excalibur in Italy last winter, although he only just posted about it. In the clip, Pietro Dal Pra, a fellow rock climber and Ondra’s friend, and Jakob Schubert, an Austrian rock climber, and boulderer join Ondra. Besides a learning curve, the video is a great reminder of the simplicity and authenticity with which Ondra approaches the art of rock climbing.

And that is exactly why fans have shown him love such as: “Huge respect for posting your “failures” in a world where most just show their victories.

“‘Sometimes I’m just going to sleep and dreaming that there would be a kneebar haha that made me laugh so hard I spilled coffee on myself”

“Imagine being such a legend like Adam, imagine being considered the best climber in the world and imagine how much self-esteem, how much self-respect and respect for other very strong climbers it takes to share with the world such “failures” (and with such positivity!)”

“I just love that so many professional climbers have YT channels. When they collaborate and their stories intertwine, it’s like the Marvel universe and the Avengers”. 

“‘Or maybe I am not that strong’ Adam Ondra world’s best climber in 2023”

“In a world dominated by social networks, where most of the “shiny” content is fake, I found Adam Ondra YT channel one of the most authentic, inspirational, and exciting. Hard work, no-nonsense, failures and victories, as well as friendship and respect for peers: that’s a hell of a message for the young generations! “

READ MORE – “You’re Gonna Kill Some of Those Kids”: Alex Honnold Recalled the First Time He Saw Adam Ondra

This isn’t the first time fans have hailed the climbing prodigy. Fans also lauded his adventure of climbing out of the Macocha Light Hole in his home country. However, this time around, it was different. Instead of mocking the world champ, fans have hailed the flash climber for his humility amidst such soaring success. Ondra is the only male athlete to date to win the World Cup Series in two disciplines of rock climbing.

World Cup records and Olympic dreams of Ondra

Ondra won the World Cup in Lead climbing thrice in 2009, 2015, and 2019, and once in Bouldering in 2010. However, Ondra has since gone on to develop his skills in Speed Climbing as well. This is mainly due to its requirement at the Olympics, which Ondra considers to be his ultimate dream. Although he couldn’t win any medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, he seriously eyes for both medals in Paris.

There are two categories in rock climbing at the Olympics from now on – One for Speed Climbing alone and another for a combination of Bouldering and Lead Climbing. With only a year away, here’s hoping the prodigy shines at the Paris Olympics.

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Ondra has been open about sharing his failures previously as well when in 2012 and 2014 he failed his record-setting attempt twice. However, amidst all failures and successes, Adam Ondra’s respect for his peers remains the same. He treats his fans no differently. All of these qualities, truly make him a fan-favorite.