Šimon Potůček

Name: Šimon Potůček
Nickname: Šíma
Job: student VUT in Brno
Year of birth: 2001
Climbing since: 12 years
Country: Czech Republic

What do you like about climbing?
It seems to me to be one of the best ways to bring out the best in yourself, to learn about yourself and to push yourself physically and mentally. Overall, I enjoy and motivate the whole process of improving myself.

How did you get started climbing?
I started going to a gym class in Zlín. At that time it was just one of several sports I did (gymnastics, ski racing, cycling). But I liked climbing more and more. Eventually it became my main sport and I started giving it my all.

Other interests?
I like to run a lot, and when I have time, I read. Otherwise, climbing and school take up practically all my free time. But I also like to consider studying as a hobby :).

Favourite climbing area ?
From abroad I think Arco, and here I prefer Labák. Otherwise, of course, I also like Kras.

The best achievements?
From competitions, probably winning the Czech Championship last year and 3rd place at the EC in Žilina.
My most difficult climb so far is Pure Dreaming 8c+/9a.

Biggest climbing experience?
The most powerful experience for me was probably when I climbed my first 8c+ - All in, I´m out. It was probably the biggest struggle I've experienced so far on the route.
Other than that, I really like to remember the 2021 Teplice Final. I was the only one who was able to climb a relatively hard vertical there and the atmosphere of that moment was really incredible.

Plans for the future?
In the next few years I would definitely like to do competitive climbing, because it still gives me a sense of purpose and I still see space for advancement. But I don't have any specific results in mind. After the end of more active competing there will definitely be more time for rock climbing and hopefully there will be some more interesting climbs at the 9a limit and I would be interested in some routes in our sands

Climbing in 100 years?
I think that as far as climbing level is, we are still "relatively at the beginning" and there is still a lot of space in training strategies and physical possibilities of climbers in general. That being said, I would probably expect as fast or faster development as before and it will be really interesting to see. I also think that climbing is becoming more and more popular among the general public and will certainly rise to the level of the really big sports in time.

More info about me:
IG: @simonpotucek