Michael Piccolruaz: A geologist climbs the rock

After studying geology in Innsbruck (“I have finished all the exams, only a few signatures are missing” – original sound), sport climber Michael Piccolruaz knows his way around the rock even better. Due to Corona, the magnificent climbing hall in Innsbruck is currently closed. That's why the native of Val Gardena trains in his hometown of St. Christina.

The season begins with the World Cup in Meiringen, Switzerland (April 17th). Then it continues in China and Korea. The highlight of the year for Piccolruaz is of course Tokyo. Sport climbing will be represented for the first time at the Summer Olympics in Japan (July 23rd to August 8th). The premiere was an honor “It is of course a special honor to be able to be part of the premiere. I've known for almost a year that I can take part in the combination (bouldering, lead, speed)," says the native of Val Gardena happily. But will the Olympics take place safely? “You don’t hear much. I know that there is currently discussion about whether the games will be played with or without fans. We are working intensively on the security concept. But I am optimistic and firmly believe that the games will be held,” says the 25-year-old.

Michael Piccolruaz as he lives and breathes.

Piccolruaz is happy that he can pursue his passion: “As a professional athlete, I have permission to train.” The world looked different two months ago. “Me and my family fell ill with Corona. “We weren’t doing badly, but it wasn’t a good time,” recalls the sport climber. He currently visits the small climbing hall in St. Christina often. “I train there five mornings a week from 9 a.m. to 13 p.m. In the afternoon there are balancing exercises or strength training. Sport climbing puts a lot of strain on your fingertips and skin. Therefore, active recovery is important. “From now on I’m going on a ski tour and doing yoga,” Piccolruaz never gets bored. Looking forward to Japan Sport climbing will continue to be the focus in the coming years. “I also want to be at the Olympic Games in 2024. Then there is probably a new format. “I’m not looking much further into the future,” he says. He is particularly looking forward to Japan. “I like this country, I was there in 2019. The people are very friendly, everything is well organized and the food tastes excellent,” enthuses the native of Val Gardena.

Close to home: Michael Piccolruaz

But as I said, right now it's all about climbing. Even in winter: “That's how it is, I discovered wonderful rock faces in Val Gardena and had time to see areas that I didn't even know. I really appreciate that and I am becoming more and more aware of the beautiful landscape we live in,” reports the athlete from the police sports group. In alpine climbing you take certain risks, “not in sport climbing. “You’re always well protected,” confirms Piccolruaz. For him, sport climbing is a way of life: “That’s how it is, I can develop well there and feel good.” At the moment, especially at home. “I haven’t been home that much since middle school. But it feels good. Otherwise, I had to travel a lot, I was always on the go.” But Corona has been showing the limits for a year now – in the truest sense of the word. Personal Michael Piccolruaz was born on December 31, 1995 and lives in St. Christina. The 25-year-old studied geology in Innsbruck. Sport climbing is his passion, his profession. He qualified for the Summer Olympics last year. Sport climbing is having its premiere in Tokyo. Andi Sanin (AVS Meran) is his coach.

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Michael Piccolruaz: A geologist climbs the rock

Michael Piccolruaz from Val Gardena has known for a year that he can take part in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. As the first sport climber in South Tyrol, because this sport is having its Olympic premiere in Japan.

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