In 2014, Killian Fischhuber, one of the world’s top competition climbers decided to retire from the competition circuit and focus on outdoor climbing. Killian and his partner, Anna Stohr, visited Squamish last summer only to see more rain that rock climbing. Nonetheless, we decided to check in with Killian on his impression of Squamish and what it meant for him to leave competition climbing. Our interview with Killian was conducted around the first IFSC Bouldering competition of the season. Here is what he had to say.
Photo courtesy of Redbull©
First off thanks for talking to us. How are you doing?
I’m fine, thanks! I enjoy the summer…
The first IFSC Bouldering World Cup will happen this weekend and will be the first time you are not competing. How does it feel to be off the circuit?
I watched the live-stream. I did not attend some of the World Cups over the past seasons, so that was not unusual. However, now that the circuit has moved on to the next stage I feel I kinda miss out on some fun stuff. My team hangs out in Boulder, in Vail, does some longboard session etc. That would be fun to be part of, and of course the comps. But also, its so much training, travelling to the comps “only” with little time in between. I’d rather have more time to spend. And that’s just what I have now, without comps. I can choose freely what to do when, depending on conditions though…;-)
You attended the European Bouldering Championship with Anna two weeks ago. How has your role changed in terms of the circuit and what are you doing now?
I came back from a trip to the US, the day the Euro Champs began. I watched Anna and most of the other team members. During semi’s and finals I did the live commentating for the Austrian television program. That was a new role and gave me some importance, if you know what I mean. I also helped test the men’s boulders which was a lot of fun and a great experience. And of course, I partied hard at the after comp party which is always a blast here in Innsbruck. So I guess I did alright!
Photo courtesy of Killian F.
We saw a a few pictures of a US-based training camp. Can you tell us a bit about that experience?
Chris Danielson and Kynan Waggoner asked me to be part of their first boulder training camp. First, I hesitated but then when Jacky was on the team too I knew it would be good and fun as well. That’s just how it turned out. Chris really started something with the boulder team. He’s so motivated, full of plans and ideas. I really hope he can keep it rolling. Competing in the US still does not get a lot of attention or appreciation. In the States where superlatives and “bests” and “strongest” is so often the maximum of things, I think competing would be a great way to deal with that, instead of comparing rock climbers…
Why did you make the choice to retire from competition?
I did my first regional juniors at 11 and my last World Cup at 31. I think 20 years of more or less serious competing is enough…;-)
Outdoor climbing has always been important to you and now you have the opportunity to focus on it more. What are some of you goals going into this next year?
Traveling, rock climbing, some multi pitch, some bouldering and sport climbing… whatever!
Your time in Squamish was not the best weather to say the least. How did you folks manage the rain?
We spend every minute it rained in a sushi restaurant and that made the time here more than enjoyable! Also, we had great friends here who took us downhill biking and we hiked a bunch, etc. I usually don’t get too whiny about weather, bad skin, or hard grades you know?!
You had a chance to get on Dreamcatcher despite terrible conditions. Is Dreamcatcher a route you would like to come back for?
Sure, I wish tomorrow.
Thanks Killian for answering our questions. Best of luck in your new pursuits!
Here is the latest video featuring Killian and his dedication to outdoor climbing.
Killian Fischhuber is sponsored by Redbull, Edelrid, and La Sportiva