THE POWER OF PURPOSE: WHY YOUR WHY MATTERS IN HIGH-STAKE COMPETITIONS
“ Being here and being able to show myself, my climbing and how good I feel on the wall is amazing.”
– Oriane Bertone
Photo: Lena Drapella
In the world of elite climbing, where every movement is scrutinized and the stakes are unimaginably high, having a purpose—your "why"—is not just beneficial; it’s essential. Competing on the biggest stage, like the Olympics or World Championships, can be daunting. The pressure, the expectations, and the intensity can overwhelm even the most seasoned athletes. But those who are deeply connected to their purpose, who understand their "why," often find a source of strength, resilience, and joy that elevates their performance.
Why Purpose Matters in Competition
Having a "why" gives athletes something to hold onto, a reason that transcends the immediate outcomes of winning or losing. It's the driving force that pushes them to train harder, to keep going when things get tough, and to stay focused amid the chaos. This deep sense of purpose not only enhances performance but also provides a lasting sense of fulfillment, regardless of the result.
Take, for example, French climber Oriane Bertone. After the bouldering qualifiers at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Oriane shared in an interview with Eurosport how her purpose fueled her performance. She said, "I feel proud because it wasn’t easy. I was prepared for that and everything that happened is the result of a lot of training. Being here and being able to show myself, my climbing, and how good I feel on the wall is amazing."
At the highest level, athletes generally often focus on podium finishes or victories, but for Oriane Bertone, her "why" and the journey itself held equal importance. Her purpose was rooted in showcasing her skills, dedication, and the pure joy of climbing. The competition wasn’t just about winning; it was about proving to herself and others what she’s capable of and taking pride in the process. This strong sense of purpose seemed to fuel her confidence and resilience under the immense pressure of the Olympic stage in front of a home crowd, inspiring many with her passion and infectious joy for the sport.
Photo: Lena Drapella
Another inspiring example is Czech climber Adam Ondra. Despite having nearly won everything possible in climbing, Adam’s connection to his "why" remains as strong as ever. His "why" is simple yet profound: a genuine love for the sport and a deep sense of joy in every climb.
Even after years of competing at the highest levels, Adams’s enthusiasm hasn’t waned. For example, after sending Boulder 4 during the Olympic bouldering qualifiers, Adam celebrated with the exuberance of someone who had just completed their first climb. His joy was palpable, a reflection of his enduring love for climbing and the pure satisfaction he derives from every achievement, big or small.
Adam’s "why" doesn’t seem to be tied to external validation or the need to prove himself—he’s already accomplished that many times over. Instead, it’s about the intrinsic joy of climbing, the challenge of pushing his limits, and the sheer fun of the sport. This purpose keeps him grounded, motivated, and able to find happiness in every moment, no matter how many victories he’s already achieved.
Photo: Lena Drapella
British climber Hamish McArthur shared a powerful reflection after placing 5th in the competition. On social media, he said that he had almost quit competition climbing in recent years. However, through the Olympics, he rediscovered his purpose: "Through my performance, I may express values of bravery, of focus, of heart and love, and that hopefully through seeing these acts on the microcosm of the stage, people become inspired to embody them in their own lives." McArthur’s "why" extends beyond personal achievement; it’s about inspiring others through his actions, showing that the values he holds dear can resonate with and inspire others.
The Positive Effects of Having a "Why"
Enhanced Focus and Resilience: A strong "why" helps athletes maintain focus in the most stressful situations. It provides a source of resilience when facing setbacks, as the motivation goes beyond just winning; it’s about fulfilling a deeper purpose.
Sustained Motivation: Athletes like Oriane Bertone, Adam Ondra and Hamish McArthur demonstrate that having a "why" keeps motivation alive, even after years of competing. It turns each competition into an opportunity to express their passion and achieve personal satisfaction.
Joy and Fulfillment: When athletes are connected to their "why," they experience a greater sense of joy and fulfillment. Success becomes not just about medals or recognition, but about the personal journey and the love of the sport.
Inspiration for Others: An athlete with a strong purpose not only performs better but also inspires others. Oriane Bertone, Adam Ondra and Hamish McArthur’s stories remind us that sport is about more than just results—it’s about passion, dedication, and the pursuit of something meaningful.
Embrace Your Purpose
In the high-pressure world of elite sports, understanding and embracing your "why" can be a game-changer. It transforms challenges into opportunities, setbacks into lessons, and achievements into moments of pure joy. For athletes like Oriane Bertone and Adam Ondra, their purpose is what fuels them, guides them, and brings them fulfillment in every climb – and it inspires everyone else on the way.
As you pursue your own journey in sports, whether on the Olympic stage or in local competitions, take the time to discover and connect with your "why." We can all find our own microcosm where we can follow our values and purpose, allowing these to guide us toward personal and collective success. Let it be the driving force that propels us forward, the anchor that keeps us grounded, and the source of joy that makes every moment worth it.
What’s your why?
Work with us if you want to work on your mindset in climbing!
Professional sport psychological support on an elite level – but also already for youth climbers – has become indispensable. We have professionally accompanied World Cup climbers, World Cup medalists, Olympic contenders as well as youth competitors and medalists. Enroll now for our 1:1 mental coachings. The first 30min are free, so you can get to know us and we can discuss how we can work together on your mindset.