Maja Vidmar: the Slovenian queen of competitions dreams to climb 9a

Slovenian Maja Vidmar, 29, is one of the strongest climbers in the world. She won the Lead World Cup (2007) and achieved two second and two third places in the final ranking in the past years. It is impossible to make a list of her victories and podiums: we highlight only the great third place she got in Inzai (Japan) on 28th October. Maja climbed also many extreme rock routes to 8c+ redpoint and 8b+ on-sight and has still several dreams as she explains in this exclusive interview. Maja, first of all congratulations for your third place in Inzai! How do you feel after this great result? «Now I feel really good and I'm happy for this result. But this year I didn't climb and train good: my plain was to climb more on rock and to train hard indoor because I wanted to climb some very difficult routes and to compete in a good way. But unfortunately everything went in a different way». What happened? «I had some difficult moments...but climbing is my life and I never give up! I believe I will come back to climb hard and enjoy it: I had some excellent results in competitions like the fifth place in the Gijon World Championship and the fourth in the Briançon stage of the World Cup, but I was not in good condition, not really strong. But climbing is not only in our hands: it is also a mental game where I made remarkable progress. So I can continue to climb good!». Could you tell me something about Inzai competition? «Ok, lets go back to Japan! I came in Asia in bad condition but I tried to think positive and just climb. So my condition became everyday better, I was everyday stronger and when I came in Japan, after Korea and China competitions - I don't know how I can explain it - I just knew and believed that this competition was mine...and it really was! In Inzai I climbed really good every route, I was ready to fight in the final route. I was relaxed and had so good time there...and the third place was a big reward for all this season». The next stage of the World Cup will take place in Kranj: are you ready for another great performance in your country? «Yes, everything is fine. I have some days for training and I'm sure that I will be ready to have a great competition! I'm really looking forward Kranj: it is one of the best competition with an amazing audience». What are your projects for 2015? Do you have some great projects on rock? «I have always some projects in my mind but after this season, that has been hard due to many injuries, I haven't made plains yet for next year. I will plan something in December, when I have time for holiday. For sure I will climb...I have many ideas, many routes in my mind!». What about the competitions? Which are your goals? «I know that one day I have to interrupt my athlete life...it will be hard, because I really like to compete and I enjoy it so much! I will let you know when I will decide for this big step...but now I'm looking forward for Kranj!». After leaving competitions, some strong climbers focus their attention on very hard rock routes managing to climb 9a: do you think to do the same? «I'm sure: I will do the same!». More info on Maja Vidmar: www.majavidmar.com INFO: www.camp.it