Sam is a French boulder and lead climber who has medals from several world cups and competed alongside his sister, Zelia at the Paris Olympics! In this episode, we’ll learn more about what it’s like growing up in a climbing family, tips for climbing as a short king, why he struggled in the 2025 season, and how he self-coaches.

Guest links:

Sam’s Instagram

Guitar Instagram

Reference links:

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Timestamps of discussion topics

0:00 - Intro

1:24 - Mad Rock Shoutout!!

2:34 - His mother still competing at 42 years old

7:45 - Getting into climbing and competing

9:31 - AUDIENCE Q: Did growing up in a climbing family add pressure?

12:52 - Struggling between youth and senior circuits

16:51 - Rough 2025 season

22:53 - 2028 Olympics strategy

26:37 - Being a short king

31:34 - AUDIENCE Q: Tips for short kings?

35:41 - Training with the French team

37:51 - AUDIENCE Q: how do you self coach?

41:21 - Training only with climbing

45:21 - Gyms worth visiting in Paris

47:05 - Secrets to French slab

51:37 - AUDIENCE Q: What are you thinking about when climbing?

56:06 - Mental game

58:41 - 2026 goals

1:01:22 - AUDIENCE Q: Playing guitar?

1:04:58 - AUDIENCE Q: Can you make a living climbing?

1:08:40 - AUDIENCE Q: How to gain finger strength?

1:12:23 - AUDIENCE Q: Recovery routine?

1:15:56 - Where to find Sam