Manthos Valsamidis is a member of the Greek National Climbing Team, a high-level athlete, and a medical doctor — a combination that requires not only physical and mental strength, but also absolute dedication. On the occasion of this year’s Kalymnos Climbing Festival, we spoke with him about his participation in the festival, his personal journey, the challenges of the sport, the value of mental resilience, and the importance of connecting with nature.
Interview Questions
- What was your experience at the Kalymnos Climbing Festival like?
How did you contribute to the festival? What would you like to see added or improved at next year’s event that you felt was missing this year?
- As a member of the National Climbing Team, could you explain when and how climbing became an Olympic sport?
Which discipline of climbing is competed in at the Olympic Games, and how does this affect the way athletes train? Would you come to train on our island if Kalymnos were to become a preparation center for Olympic climbing athletes?
- In addition to being a high-level athlete, you are also a doctor.
How do you manage to combine a demanding medical career with the intensity and commitment required by climbing? Does one role influence the other?
- What do you consider more demanding in climbing — physical strength or mental endurance?
- How do you deal with fear, fatigue, or uncertainty on difficult routes?
- Is there someone who has inspired or guided you along your journey?
- What is the most difficult route you have attempted so far?
- How can climbing bring people closer to nature?
- What message would you like to send to young people who want to start climbing?
Watch the interview:
