In the podcast interview, Kevin Roet sits down with Italian climber Laura Rogora to explore her journey into the world of climbing and the mindset that has shaped her career. Laura begins by explaining how she first discovered climbing at a young age and why she ultimately chose it over gymnastics. While gymnastics felt structured and rule-bound, climbing immediately stood out to her as a sport defined by freedom. She emphasises that there is no single “right” way to move on the wall, which allowed her creativity and individuality to flourish.

Laura draws an interesting connection between climbing and mathematics, describing how both rely heavily on analytical thinking, problem solving, and pattern recognition. She explains that reading a route is similar to solving a math problem: it requires breaking down complex sequences into manageable parts. This analytical approach often leads her into a flow state, where movement, focus, and decision-making align seamlessly.

The conversation then shifts to her competitive career. Laura discusses when she first began competing and how she gradually transitioned onto the international scene. She is candid about the struggles she faced at that level, including pressure, expectations, and adapting to a highly competitive environment. Rather than avoiding these challenges, Laura reflects on how they forced her to develop a stronger mindset over time.

She also talks about managing fear, particularly the fear of falling early in her climbing career. Motivation, she explains, became a key tool in pushing past that fear. Finally, Laura highlights her competitive nature, especially her competitiveness with herself. This internal drive has consistently pushed her beyond limits and expectations, helping her redefine what she believed was possible in climbing.

Tune in to Laura Rogora’s story, and her road to success.