Adam Ondra and Tommy Caldwell talk | Working on El Cap | Dawn Wall and big walls climbing

It was just awesome to have a true conversation with a total climbing legend Tommy Caldwell. We have met a few times at the crag or at a film festival, but never really got a lot of time to TALK.
Dawn Wall was obviously a huge topic - stories from our preparations, how we were working through the wall, and what were the hardest parts as well as the most tricky parts - usually those that just look impossible, but once you figure out how to climb them, they are not that bad. But the whole process was so much easier since I knew that the climb was possible - Tommy had proved it before. Tommy was in awe to find out that I’d had that little experience in trad climbing before, but I am fortunate to start climbing in my home country, where our infamous sandstone towers, as well as slippery limestone in the backyard, were decent rites of passage to climb El Capitan in Yosemite.
But we touched upon much more - big wall climbing experience in general, its connection to sport climbing, the future of El Cap, and the next logical lines, our motivation, curiosity, the need to advocate our environment. What are we currently busy with, what are our future plans, and where are we hopefully going to climb together?
I really value Tommy Caldwell’s (www.tommycaldwell.com) devotion to environmental protection and together we are also partnering up with Champions and Legends (championsandlegends.com) to support the producing hemp-derived CBD sports supplements for athletic preparation, performance + recovery.
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:25 - Getting into adventure climbing, conditions in the Czech Republic, the first time in Yosemite
16:16 - Tommy Caldwell’s experience with Dawn wall
18:25 - Working through the last and hardest remaining piece of Dawn wall
22:17 - Adam’s journey through Dawn wall
29:00 - Challenging climbs that prepared Adam and Tommy for big mountain climbing
33:54 - Free climbs of Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold; New route of the Dawn Wall section of the El Cap
35:25 - Going back to big mountain climbing
41:38 - Sport climbing in connection to traditional climbing
44:47 - Future of El Cap
51:21 - Environmental protection activities of Tommy Caldwell
52:04 - Climbing partners
57:15 - Adam’s training for Olympics and its benefits
58:44 - Climbing motivation
1:02:36 - Adam managing his professional obligations
1:04:22 - Tommy Caldwell being a public figure
1:04:49 - Flex Luthor - how much is the route different
1:08:09 - What is next after Olympics and shared plans
ENGLISH SUBTITLES AVAILABLE IN THE VIDEO SETTINGS
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TALKS BY
TOMMY CALDWELL
ADAM ONDRA
DIRECTED BY
LACO KORBEL
EDITED BY
ADAM LIGOCKI
CAMERA
ADAM LIGOCKI
AUSTIN SIADAK
SAMUEL CROSSLEY
PRODUCTION
JAKUB PÍNA
JAN VERNER
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
PAVEL BLAŽEK
BACKSTAGE PICTURES BY
PETR CHODURA
© 2021 AO PRODUCTION S.R.O.
#adamondra #tommycaldwell #ChampionsandLegends #elcapitan #elcap #rockclimbing #climbinglife #climb #climber #rockclimber #dawnwall #AOtalks

[@GavynPendleton]

Tommy and Adam Greenland trip would be the craziest thing ever!!!

[@stanislavkana15]

and Alex. Hot damn!

[@andreameraner3579]

And Alex!

[@damn3061]

@@stanislavkana15 and tommy's kids!

[@cwoodside907]

They should go do Baffin island. More remote and isolated.

[@alexandermotal5979]

This needs to be upvoted as much as possible!

[@ruffNNreadyDMT]

A Caldwell, Ondra, and Honnold Greenland trip needs to be a thing

[@haydenmcallister6647]

Throw in midtbø

[@yarpenzirgin1826]

It sounds like a beginning of a joke :) Caldwell, Ondra and Honnold come to the pub....

[@feelinghealingfrequences7179]

Why green land? How about a trip inside the USA!?! Like heli climb Alaska

[@haydenmcallister6647]

@@feelinghealingfrequences7179 did you even watch the video

[@jorisessen8410]

ondra would climb laps around caldwell and honnold.

[@christopherw179]

Tommy is one of the best climbers in the world and the look on his face when Adam tells him he's only done 4 trad pitches before the Dawn Wall says a lot about how impressed Tommy was by that. Almost "stop it your making us all look bad impressed" haha

[@MtJochem]

I love this format Adam! It is two fanboys interviewing one another. Two great interviews in one upload, and then some wholesomeness added.

[@saifmanman]

Oh god I didn’t know I needed this

[@sparrowman6077]

I’d love to see Tommy take Adam to Patagonia! Epic trip in the works.

[@sparrowman6077]

Greenland as a warmup... Patagonia for the big send

[@hugoward6571]

They are from such opposite parts of the climbing world, it’s great to see them sit down for a chat and compare their different views and approaches.

[@cous]

Opposites would be an indoor boulderer/speed climber vs. a mountaineer. These two have a lot in common

[@ralphmunn1685]

This is hilarious and beautiful all at once - the combined experience level, the mutual respect, the fact that they can really relate as peers from different worlds... THANKS, guys!!!

[@ac311205]

The content coming out of Adam’s channel is unreal.

[@kevedwards]

I like the way Adam is getting these legends to interview but Adam is such a legend himself they end up interviewing him. It’s like the immovable object vs unstoppable force theory in interview form.

[@ELFanatic]

I love the back and forth interview. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@eyemallears2647]

I can’t even do 3 pull-ups but I’m binge watching all these top level climbers. Fascinating stuff.

[@ethanjoel7096]

Legend meets legend

[@henryrodriguez8157]

You have to be dead to be a legend.

[@triggered8556]

@@henryrodriguez8157 no?

[@frictitiousclimbing4991]

I'm so much more impressed with Adam's send after watching this. But also Tommy's struggle is also so admirable in completely different way, patients, piecing it all together, not being physically as strong as Adam. So cool.

[@Craigstaaygear]

indeed

[@theskyspire]

patience

[@rickytrockclimbing2935]

Eyyy wassup? I’m the guy who you sent the defective porta-edges to and I paid shipping. I love them! Been using them daily

[@joaocarvalhosa8278]

Adam, are you planning to release footage from your Dawn Wall climb? Really hope so!! Take Care

[@joaocarvalhosa8278]

@Jean-Guy Rubberboot where? I just saw parts from the tent and not actually climbing the complete route. Thanks

[@lorenz6746]

i think it is in a real rock movie or some other biger movie

[@nathankenny7454]

Yeah on real rock

[@the_zenclimber]

Nope, there is gorgeous footage but the film crew did not know you need a permit to film in Yosemite. so it will never be released.

[@AdamOndra]

Unfortunately we do not hold the rights for the footage from this project. AO Team

[@mojavemateo]

Hearing Adam say it was "pissing rain" was my favorite part of this interview

[@Luckieoutdoors]

More of this! Alex honnold next?

[@AdamOndra]

Yes :-) Like really :-) AO Team

[@rnedisc]

@@AdamOndra OH MY GOD I can't fucking wait

[@AdamOndra]

@ThePauoolk Yes! It will be very challenging! Pavel (AO Team)

[@tracireed2750]

Adam's heart is infectious. A dialed in combination of confidence and humility. Seems to be a truly kind human. Wish more people were like that.

[@colesmith7230]

Just think about the perseverance it requires to accomplish such impossible and grueling climbs - it’s character building. He built this personality from the ground up. I don’t think you can just adopt this.

[@rogerelzenga4465]

@@colesmith7230 But he's not shouting "im the best" at all, he just does something then shows us "look what ive done!" he does not count himself as the best and just another climber with cool accomplishments, other people are better at different things... i like that about him ^^

[@jon-williammurphy9780]

- When you finish together.. it’s incredible. - I totally get it

[@bernardcutbill7673]

gods of climbing talking each other

[@GreenHairyYoda]

this mutual admiration society is such a joy to experience. the respect these two gentlemen have for each other is inspirational!

[@shmalts1]

There is something beautiful about adam never being psyched for speed climbing haha. Would love audio versions of this if more are done!! Amazing interview thank you AO team!

[@monkeyman2001able]

Ondras abilities really are incomprehensible for like everyone

[@GregFeeneyPoker]

I've never shipped anything so hard as an Alex, Adam, Tommy trip to Greenland! This needs to happen!

[@pirminborer625]

Just love Tommy's attitude and mentality. Adam is just an alien from another world where gravity was 2x stronger so everything is so much easier for him on earth... so humble though.

[@007artimus]

AO’s combination of attitude, ability and stoke level is so captivating. All while being humble- amazing. And Caldwell’s talent and grit are world class. Incredible interview.

[@Aaron-mv4xf]

You should have a chat with Pete and Tom next!

[@ma-tv5xm]

They are highly humble, intelligent, beautiful human being and etc. If the whole world will climb we will have a beautiful world!!!

[@robertnewell4054]

Tommy’s brief but intensely personal reflection on how being a Father is changing his climbing objectives

[@niklasjonssonaberg2952]

I've been dreaming about these two giants chatting. A Greenland meetup would be epic!

[@wankershim]

Awesome interview, would love to see a video like this with some other climbers like Magnus or Alex Megos!

[@hj40]

Two living legends. Thanks for this!

[@alexc650]

Adams thoughts on climbing with people really rang true for me. This helped me a lot recently w/o realizing it. Climbing with others who might see some different beta or be able to do a move you never thought you could has really helped me.

[@adamstein964]

Please continue uploading these for us. None of us knew we needed this... But we definitely did!

[@aidanloeser4890]

This is incredible. Thanks for sharing this conversation with us.

[@barakesmith-washington6946]

He had only climbed 4 TRAD PITCHES in his life before the Dawn Wall??!?

[@danmiddleton4838]

This is so awesome! The passion for climbing shines out of both of these legends.

[@lll000lllx3]

Thank you for this interwiew, two very inspiring persons🙏

[@djohnspangler]

So awesome at long last to hear Adam’s take on the Dawn Wall and his Yosemite experience. Great conversation. Thanks for posting ✌️❤️

[@jg5875]

Fascinating to hear them nerd out about the Dawn Wall moves. And the vivid memory they have of every one of them is impressive 👍🏻

[@alemakhoul4899]

Yesss! Been waiting for this conversation for soo long, total legendary beasts

[@alexzuccarelli]

Tommy has got to be the most down to earth, humble climber out there. He's a legend with apparently no ego. Refreshing.

[@joseriosgiraldez3196]

Great! Thank you very much to both of you (and to Adam's team) for this inspiring conversation

[@muttiplay]

exceptional piece of film, great conversation between two of the greatest climbers of this generation

[@metacum]

Excellent chat. One of the most interesting cross-interviews I've seen in a long while. Thanks!👍

[@supriya55]

i smiled so hard throughout this. you two and alex in greenland would be unbelievable!

[@PaulBakker]

Have been hoping for this since Adam climbed the dawn wall. What a fun conversation!

[@suzakukururugi6613]

So cool watching pros encourage one another and collaborating, hope we see them in the near future

[@marcodaldegan8225]

Wow! Two legends in climbing, two clever people giving sooooo much insight in their sport.... thanks SOOO MUCH for sharing this...

[@johnmilon866]

What an awesome conversation!! Had to rewatch the Dawn Wall after this of course!

[@biblibop]

Love this so much! Really enjoyed listening to this great conversation!!!

[@danballarin]

That was very enjoyable and a good insight into the variety in our sport! Thanks team Ondra!

[@crimsonraen]

This was so great! Looove it! Thanks for putting it together!

[@JaydenWorth]

Thank you Adam! I love climbing and the idea of being able to watch (and honestly I listened to you both while I warmed up for my bouldering sessions) two amazing and revolutionary climbers talk shop is phenomenal!!!

[@headcoach88]

Absolutely amazing hour! This was a brilliant idea to put these two legends together (thanks to Champions + Legends!).Although I already knew most of the content from both sides, this conversation moved it to another level. Thank you for a great experience and I look forward to seeing more similar videos !!! I wish you both boys good luck and stay healthy and safe!

[@AdamOndra]

Thank you :-)

[@brandonday2494]

These are so great. Loving the interviews. As Alex always says, Tommy's the man.

[@rnedisc]

Such an amazing video. 2 Absolute legends. Both are such an inspiration to do better. Thank you Adam and your team for putting out all this amazing video content!

[@bszymeczko]

Great talk. Thanks both!

[@LukeRockCimber]

It’s super interesting to see how they seem to be motivated by different things.

[@romanzaloudek1454]

great interview, two legends, great humor by Tommy commenting on the amazing achievement of Adam flying thru the Dawn Wall with so limited (or missing) experience in big wall climbing :) :)

[@ilpee]

It was so much fun to watch you guys. Can't wait to see your Greenland trip video. It looks like to be epic fun. I hope the best for you guys. Keep your boots muddy.

[@olliewelsh123]

so cool to see the best of europe and the US combine in this open setting. great content!

[@JTJ92]

Really enjoyed this! and also just read Tommy's book and was truly great and inspiring book while on a climbing trip. Would be great to see more of this type of podcast styled content with great climbers!

[@gazsibb]

Fantastic! Great questions and answers. Much more informative than when there's a journalist in between.

[@MrJhchrist]

HOly crap, that's a LOOOONG format. And I loved every second. These chats are awesome, keep 'em coming!

[@steviesteve750]

i love this series Adam, what a great idea. you, Alex, Tommy. Man all in one place, thank you!

[@alyssaryan3166]

Loved this so much! My two favorite climbers

[@goodforage]

Did again Adam, this format is amazing…pure balanced conversation, does climbing a lot of credit. The nicest people I’ve ever met have been Climbers… and this shows the sport at its best 👏

[@mikestang7]

Enjoyed the conversation, gentlemen, thank you!

[@oldi6btm6t9d4]

both tommy and adam are star struck by each other!

[@phoeteus]

I didn´t know that this was in the making but I´ve been waiting for it

[@danobable]

two of my favourite people, what a brilliant video

[@golf9992]

Was an amazing video to watch from two of my favorite athletes!

[@HenPap]

Amazing. Thank you!

[@cptkent]

Had to stop about 20min in.... and go rewatch "The Dawn Wall".

[@tanner791]

Hahaha yesss

[@dejffjed]

Did the same... :-)

[@ramonmf4358]

Pretty amazing to watch that!! Congrats, lads!

[@mihuuuu]

bro I get stoked like hell when I climb v4 at the local gym, I can't imagine the feeling when these guys redpoint the hardest rocks known to man

[@jayfarino3721]

I don't know a thing about climbing, but listening to you guys talk about it was really fun. So cool!

[@AndreaDelTerra]

Thanks Adam was a really good and iteresting talk!!!

[@sautter09]

Awesome video! Both Tommy and Adam are awesome and inspiring!

[@smuir6104]

I loved listening to you both!!! This is cool.

[@CodaLucente]

Best crag climber and best big wall climber meet together. This is great

[@the061PUNK]

This is a video we did not know we needed but now we know we do ! (Hope that makes sense)

[@mazzo76]

Two different worlds comparing. Two different special peoples... Thank you.

[@carlbarenbrug]

This was a super conversation. So great to see these two legends talk climbing about the past and the exciting future ahead. Slightly disappointed in the editing of this video though as there was definitely some sound issues and a softer background might have been easier on the eyes.

[@MJCain-ye1uo]

Thankyou both

[@stefanopaoli717]

You two guys are so great people.

[@MusicScala]

Such a sick video! Thank you very much for the insight!

[@jonathaningram877]

Loved this conversation! Inspiring for sure

[@Meta-Drew]

Tommy AND Adam in the cellar

[@AlesPickar]

Is this a Sheffield reference? :-)

[@merryjane7558]

Wideboyz special. 🤩

[@letterZach]

Loving this series!

[@martinbisiguia]

Awesome insight!! thankyou

[@beer77monster]

Awesome Gents...thank you ❤️

[@Leandroltz]

Thanks a lot for that! This chat was incredible!!!

[@mills593593]

Such a great conversation!

[@johnanderson8096]

I cant put into words how much I enjoyed that... "Kindred Spirits"... X 1000.................................

[@niamor17]

great! thanks so much for this!

[@iMark22]

Great video!! Please do the greenland trip....that would be amazing and would be a major motion picture if you guys filmed!!! Adam, Tommy & Alex in Greenland! So cool!! Best of luck in the Olympics!

[@thomglunt]

Hell yeah! This is the content I am hungry for.

[@yoh4967]

Sois increíbles, os admiro mucho a los dos, un saludo y todo mi apoyo.

[@creep245]

I guess the lil' one has to sleep an hour longer than usual. Looking forward to insights from two legends!