Behind the scenes with world class climbers Mejdi Schalck and Hannes Puman

Insights from Mejdi Schalck and Hannes Puman, written by Jessica Birchall

The Climbing World Championships is undoubtedly the biggest climbing competition of the year, bringing together hopeful climbers from around the globe, for a gruelling 12 days of competition. Athletes who make it to the finals of the combined competition take part in a huge 6 days of climbing over the duration of the event. As well as the physical toll this takes on the athletes, the mental capacity to show up and perform on the wall, along with press conferences, fan interactions and social gatherings can leave the athletes feeling totally wiped out! This is where their love for the sport and their drive to compete can really shine through to carry them to the end.

Ever wondered how the athletes spend those moments in-between rounds? Or how they spend their rest days if not holed up in their hotel rooms sleeping and desperately trying to grow the skin on their fingertips?

We caught up with, adidas Terrex athletes, Mejdi Schalck and Hannes Puman, here’s what they had to say:

What did a typical ‘rest day’ look like during the World Championships?

Mejdi: A rest day during a competition is generally a very chill day where I need to recharge myself physically and mentally. I try to do some activities with my teammates but I also like to stay alone and connect with myself.

Hannes: Rest days had low tempo. Some days I did a small activation session on full rest days I went to the river and swam, had ice cream, enjoyed the nice weather and explored the city.

How did you spend your down time in-between rounds at the event?

Mejdi: Between rounds I always eat something, check in with my physio and rest as much as possible.

Hannes: I often went past the adidas Terrex athlete hub and grabbed a snack and went to my apartment and relaxed.

What is your go-to breakfast on competition days?

Mejdi: Eggs, Oat with yoghurt, cinnamon, honey and fruit!

Hannes: I usually eat my normal breakfast, which is porridge.

Favourite moment from the Bern World Championships?

Mejdi: For sure my vice world champion title in bouldering! It is a moment that I will never forget.

Hannes: Since I performed quite bad in the comp, my best memories where from experiences I had around the competition. I went outside climbing to several different crags, met new friends. It was really a wonderful time despite not the best performance.

What did you find most useful about the adidas Terrex athlete hub?

Mejdi: The fact it was so close to the comp and so chill at the same time! Everyone was made for the athletes to feel in a safe space, that was really nice!

Hannes: It was a cool place to meet in a quiet and peaceful environment in between rather chaotic events. For me it was great! Nice to have a place to breath with nice people.

Together with adidas Terrex we created the adidas Terrex Athlete Hub, located on site at the Championships, this was a luxury haven for Terrex athletes to relax, unwind and decompress. The athletes had access to world class massage therapist, sports psychology support, personal media services as well as fresh and healthy food and drinks. The Athletes had exclusive use of the hub, creating a safe and quiet environment where they could be themselves away from the spotlights and the energy of the competition.