The climbing sport celebrates its Olympic premiere in Tokyo. Alexander Megos and Jan Hojer compete for the German team. That was how her first days in Japan went.

The first few days it was relatively difficult to cope with the climatic conditions. Initially, the two trained in air-conditioned halls. This does not simulate the conditions in competition. Because in Tokyo it is very hot in the summer months.

I do think that the body and the skin gradually adapt to the climate. Because we arrived two weeks before the start of the competition, we can get used to the heat to some extent.

Alexander Megos.
Jan Hojer and Alexander Megos wear the clothing of the opening ceremony - in a slightly modified version - during training. (Picture Alexander Megos)
Jan Hojer and Alexander Megos wear the clothing of the opening ceremony - in a slightly modified version - during training. (Picture Alexander Megos)

The Tokyo Summer Olympics will take place without an audience. The mood at the competitions is correspondingly subdued and unfamiliar.

Of course, every athlete enjoys climbing in front of several thousand people who cheer you on. It's different without an audience, but it's the same for everyone now, we all have to deal with it.

Jan Hojer

Alexander Megos and Jan Hojer are not allowed to leave the hotel room during the first few days and are taken to their training sessions in local climbing halls by shuttle. They cannot watch the opening ceremony or any other Olympic competitions.

Jan Hojer in the hotel room. After all, the prospect isn't bad. (Photo Jan Hojer)
Jan Hojer in the hotel room. After all, the prospect isn't bad. (Photo Jan Hojer)

To lighten the mood a little, her trainer Urs Stöcker recently set up a paddling pool. And in general one has the impression that Alexander Megos and Jan Hojer take the matter with humor (see picture above).

Instead of coffee and the view, Janja Garnbret devotes herself to training

Janja Garnbret takes things a little more seriously. The Slovenian athlete Janja Garnbret even does a training session in a hotel room and looks almost like a hamster on a bike.

Janja Garnbret during training in the hotel room. (Image Gorazd Hren)

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Credits: Text sections DAV, cover picture