Maro Hilgert, RED CHILI Athlet (2024)

When and how did you get into climbing and what kept you interested / fascinated in the sport?

My father was a climber, so climbing was always present in my childhood. At ten years old, we went to see the lead world cup in Puurs, Belgium. Watching these incredible climbers made me want to become one of them. That is when I started going to the climbing gym regularly, and also following weekly lessons. I became totally addicted.

Who was your childhood hero and do you consider yourself a role model now? Does it influence you at all that other people look up to you?

My biggest hero is Seb Bouin because he is a great climber but also because he goes exploring new places, looking for the hardest and most beautiful lines. I admire his enthusiasm and joy in climbing.

I also look up to Seb Berthe, because he climbs hard stuff while being very conscious about the environment and what we can do to help it. I try to be as much of an example as these guys, not only climbing wise but also the other aspects of life.

What were the most important milestones in your life so far, both in climbing and in everyday life? Did you immediately recognize them as such or only later on?

The day I first went climbing in Freyr was a very important day, but at that moment I didn’t realize it because I was sh*tting my pants on the runouts. Now I realize that that was the day I fell in love with climbing.

What were your greatest failures / setbacks / injuries? How did you cope with them and how did you come back from them?

I had some troubles with my fingers in 2019 and 2020 because I was growing fast and climbing hard at the same time. This isn’t the best combination it seems. It took some time, but by climbing at a low level for a long time my fingers eventually healed.

What is your favorite climbing related story / experience?

When I climbed Big Bang (8a+) and I topped out on the top of the main face of Freyr, and I just sat there in the grass enjoying the moment. The route is 60 meters long so when you are at the top you have to untie and throw the rope down. I had been trying this route for quite some time so it felt very rewarding!

Do you have a strict training schedule for when and how you train throughout the year?

Yes, I have a training schedule that is meant to prepare me for the next goal. Sometimes this can be sport climbing, bouldering, or mountaineering in summer. The schedule can include running and other sports too depending on the goal.

What advice can you give to somebody looking to improve their training routine?

You don’t always have to do the trainings 100% as in the schedule. You should keep monitoring how you feel. If the trainings are too heavy you should make them easier and the other way around. Training doesn’t end when you leave the gym, make sure to eat the right foods and to get enough sleep.

What do you think of indoor climbing gyms in relation to climbing on actual rock?

I see indoor climbing mostly as a tool to train for the rocks. Climbing in the gym can be a lot of fun though! Especially in the modern bouldering gyms. I really like the coordination moves on big holds.

Are you able to do a one-arm pull-up? How about a single finger?

I am actually pretty weak. So no I can’t do a one arm pull-up.

How much of the success as a pro climber is due to show and how much due to actual climbing skill?

If you’re not a good climber, you won’t be so successful, but the way you sell yourself has a big influence on your success. People just have to remember you. You can make them remember you in a number of different ways, being a very good climber is one of them.

Is it possible for anybody to eventually perform a one-armed pull-up or get to the top of the Eiger/Matterhorn, or do you really have to be born for it?

I think with the right training, anybody can physically perform these things. However a lot of motivation and discipline is needed to do this. I think that is the problem of most people. The mental aspect is a lot more difficult to predict. This is the biggest limiting factor for some people I think.

How important is it to set goals in professional sports? What are your goals / targets you are working towards in climbing and in life?

Having clear goals is the best way to keep the motivation and to train effectively in my opinion. My goal is to climb things that are beautiful and that inspire me, and in the future also look for such lines to bolt.

How to you deal with extremely hard climbing problems?Do you ever get frustrated and give up on them or do they motivate you even more?

I really enjoy hard routes because it feels impossible at first, but as you get used to the moves and find small improvements, it starts feeling very doable. When I start trying a new route I know that it will start feeling easier soon, and that I will become a better climber in the process. I find that process really enjoyable.

Is there anything you would like to change about the current developments in climbing?

I think the growing popularity of climbing is a very positive thing, because there will be more money for routesetters and professional climbers, and more people get to enjoy the wonderful sport that is climbing. One thing I hope is that all these new climbers keep respecting the rocks and the nature to help preserve them so that we can enjoy them for long.

Where do you think sport will go in the next few years? What will change? And what role will you play in it?

I think that there will be even more gyms, more climbers and more people involved, especially with climbing in the Olympics. I hope I can keep inspiring others and show them my way of climbing. Climbing is fun and we should show that to everyone!