How Hard are Olympic Boulders?

[@alexhlavka8838]

I only started climbing a year ago and the best I’ve gotten is a v5, so it’s crazy to see that a v11 climber can barely even get started on any of the boulders, really gives good contrast just how good the top climbers are

[@llTorentll]

He said he’s climbed up to v11 (which means probably only a few). Makes perfect sense to me. Like if you tried to climb a v10 right now… not gonna happen. Maybe most people don’t realize how hard climbing actually is. I’ve climbed for 10+ years v10, 5.13, 800 ft solo - crazy grateful for the experiences I’ve had climbing

[@boogaloo4640]

@@llTorentll He's talking about outdoor V11 though, so harder than indoor

[@deci]

​@@boogaloo4640 Actually when grades get higher, indoor and outdoor grades start being pretty similar just different style. There's actually a lot of outdoor climbs in the double digits that can feel easier than indoor if you prefer techy crimps more than powerful boulders.

[@heraclitus4884]

According to Mat Wright he's climbed one v11 and it was a dyno 😂 probably rainbow rocket as it favours tall people

[@DerrickNedzelMtnBike]

You’ve done a V5 after only climbing a year? That’s amazing! Great work!

[@milksushi6640]

Glad to see you've got a supportive and encouraging friend in your corner to back you up on these endeavors

[@JoshRundle]

😂😂 everyone needs a cheerleader like Freddy

[@lauramathieu9781]

It's amazing how easy the climbers at the Olympics made these look! My daughter has been climbing for 2 years and she spent the whole time open mouthed saying wow, I wanna do that. 😊❤

[@JoshRundle]

It’s so amazing isn’t it! They are so so good! Aw that’s so cool, can’t wait to see her competing at an Olympics soon! 🔥

[@MEMarjMitchell]

I sooo enjoyed the Olympic events being streamed and readily available!!

[@hugosavy939]

@hugosvy nice content "I Did a move" while falling sideways and not vertically is pure genuis ahha

[@boogaloo4640]

Proper try hard session & no dodgy sponsors. Pretty funny watching you try the same beta as Max though, given the height difference. Very enjoyable video

[@AWer2]

lol

[@davidstorrs]

That was fantastic. Those boulders are bonkers and I give you mad props for trying as much as you did. The fact that you actually nailed the top half of one of them is amazing. Great job!

[@jessevanstraaten4111]

0:08 well there's our answer, nice quick video 👍

[@jazzysyn]

@spanbaltea really appreciate the perspectives in your videos and also letting us live vicariously 😆

[@jesuismanu]

Wow, I did not expect it to be that hard, especially since the olympic climbers have to do it within 4 minutes and with a lot of pressure. Good effort on those boulders!

[@asharablack]

Tbf these training boulders might be harder than what they climb in competition. After all they do have more than 4 minutes in training.

[@jesuismanu]

@@asharablack makes total sense! Though I saw Toby Roberts in Magnus' video on the same wall and he cruising!

[@JonathanLopez-xs6vr]

I doubt they harder especially seeing the athletes train in their own vids and they cruise through most boulders ​@asharablack

[@Mike-oz4cv]

Plus they often have other competitions on the same day. Qualifications, semi-finals, finals of both lead and boulder often overlap. And then you have all the bad sleep, jet lag, unfamiliar environment etc. etc. I really wouldn’t expect any competitor to perform at their best on a world cup or olympic games. Just look at Alex Megos who very recently climbed 9b+ without too much trouble but couldn’t even make the Paris finals.

[@Maddieb703]

This is so well edited Josh! Love to see it!

[@JoshRundle]

Thanks Maddie! Although I have to admit, I didn’t edit it haha. That was the great Sam Tooker

[@neaituppi7306]

2:00 That is what best friends are for.

[@friedrichwohler3819]

That's a good friend right there. Tells it like it is. You're a lucky man.

[@freddiewootton8501]

Best put together video on this channel yet 🙌

[@Mat_Wright]

Joshua!! ❤ how does your channel just keep getting better… and funnier! 😂😂

[@nv1t]

Looks like a v2 in my gym ;) nice! Thanks for putting that into perspective!

[@Illeeegal]

It does look easy but I think those holds, especially the footholds are slippery bastards

[@ab-fq2ii]

14:49 was so satisfying to watch, well done man @theklemic

[@guustvanuden2968]

dude editting getting next lvl

[@Kraaketaer]

Really cool to see just how hard these are - though IMO there's also a question of style/type of climbing in play here. The last two boulders were by far the least compy boulders, especially the fourth, and you did the best there. The type of explosivity and coordination needed for these types of boulders takes *a lot* of specific training for that style. Not that they don't seem horribly hard regardless, but actually training for this style of climbing would be an obvious advantage. And, of course, the beta for the start of that first boulder looks pretty much impossible with Josh's height.

[@Kath4os]

Yes that’s totally what I was thinking through the video. Taking that to the extreme, I’m pretty sure putting a climber like Aidan Roberts or Daniel Wood in front of those things, not sure they could do really well either although they are amongst the bests boulderer in the world…

[@AlexHamilton86]

Pros: great video Cons: thumbnail needs more Toby

[@Fallenangel_85]

Olympic athletes are amazing, Toby was saying that his regular training is around 7hrs a day. That's how they get so strong and also good at figuring out the moves. What if you tried really hard and made a few of those a project? There was a wise climber once that said, as long as you can hold the individual positions, you can do the Boulder, given enough effort.

[@tangerinetango]

@hungrycragger I love how freddy's total lack of confidence in your ability to do the first boulder was so spot on 😂

[@JoshRundle]

😂😂 sadly 100% right

[@leachyboi567]

ollie___leach don’t feel bad, daddy Magnus couldnt get up these boulders either

[@rodrigoaisen736]

That's not a normal person, Josh! You achieved amazing things. A normal person only climbs 7a / V6. You are above most of the climbers in the world haha

[@Ben-vt5vi]

V6 is far above normal, no?

[@Lucroz94]

@@Ben-vt5vi Not really because it's a V6 for indoor. I climb V8 gym (7b) and still haven't managed to get one V6 (7a) outdoor in Fontainebleau, my main bouldering area haha.

[@stafbelsack1867]

@@Lucroz94 try some 7a dyno's in font :D

[@PeterLE2]

These boulders are hard but not impossible. They are usually around 7c-8b. The main reason people like him can not do much here is because he is not used to the style. He has not stored those movements in his brain. Before the Tokio Olympics I saw an interview with the former German national trainer and some athletes and they said one of the most important things is that you do every movement that you can think of.

[@Tenynos]

Also, in comp athletes only have 4 minutes to reach the top, which I can imagine makes it significantly harder to realise, compared to if you are not time-limited.

[@PeterLE2]

@@Tenynos Precisely. All the athletes there (besides the 2 from South Africa) can do all those boulders when they have enough time.

[@aidanuy]

Loved the video! You did a great job putting in perspective just how good professional climbers are

[@Tom-wk6pv]

I have done 3 sessions so far and I've completed 2 V3s. I tried a V4 and I can't even get myself off the floor lmao

[@nilsp9426]

Don't worry, there are a million breakthroughs ahead of you :)

[@heraclitus4884]

That's very good for 3 sessions!

[@Tom-wk6pv]

@@heraclitus4884 Is it? Oh damn I thought this was totally normal. My first session was actually training from an intructor so i'm sure this helped

[@drummingtildeath]

​@@Tom-wk6pvI'm 42, been bouldering for 6 months. I can do lots of different v3s but no v4s. I'm pleased with that so if you're starting out on V3s that's great!

[@archiec4600]

@archiecaithness no one really talks about the illusion of hard climbing. A climber often looks so chill on a route until an "unexpected" fall, and yet they'll be trying their hardest! Olympic climbing might just be the peak of this

[@hasancanyldrm629]

He mentioned that he climbs V11 boulders, so I was curious and watched his attempts. I don't mean to be judgmental or toxic, but watching him made me think, 'There's no way this guy is that skilled at bouldering.' He seemed really clumsy (maybe even intentionally exaggerated) and looked like a beginner. But then I remembered my own experiences with competition-style routes-they're just different. Compared to commercial routes, competition routes cover a much larger area on the wall. The moves look and feel bigger because the route itself is more expansive. Unfortunately, there is mo way to explain that feeling, especially the transition from commercial routes to competition routes. It is not just a matter of style, it is also a matter of span, and the two affect each other both for the climber and the routesetter.

[@babsds0]

I think we also need to distinguish between climbing v10+ consistently in multiple styles and only climbing a handful of v11s which suit you perfectly. Especially so, since being a good comp climber is more about your all around ability than how hard can you climb in your preferred style.

[@DrewWithington]

He seemed "really clumsy" and "looked like a beginner" because he was trying to climb boulders that are way above his level. Obvs. The Olympic climbers are some of the best climbers in the world. Adam Ondra wasn't good enough to get a medal. Toby Roberts climbed an 8a sport route when he was 10 years old. Etc etc.

[@MB-co6qj]

Plus, he is tall so that makes it seem extra clumsy

[@rtan451]

The 'v11 climber' seems to get brought up fairly often. I'd have guessed he's probably more like a consistent v 7 climber, but then again, I am more of 'you're only as good as your last race' kind of guy

[@g.w.customcreations3534]

Yeah, it's a bit weird how folk "grade themselves". I've done a few v8's in the 14 months I've been climbing, but I'm certainly not a v8 climber. Just means the few that I've done were my style.

[@DenyCraft]

@denygrante I think no one (specially newer climbers) can fathom how difficult some of those moves are. Truly amazing that they manage to top in less than 4 minutes.

[@nilsp9426]

And then again we need to remember that you are probably performing in the top 10% of the average boulder gym community.

[@pancakes5581]

8c and V11 is way higher than top 10% 😭😭

[@Kath4os]

Probably more around 0.5 % 😂 at least when you say “the average boulder gym community”. Elite and Olympic level climbers, that’s 0.05%

[@nilsp9426]

@@Kath4os You may be right but it is hard to say, since there are no reliable statistics. Also, there is a difference between having climbed one climb labeled 8c and one boulder labeled V11 and regularly climbing at that grade.

[@drummingtildeath]

My gym is just a random small place in England. The best climber I've ever seen there can do v7s. And I've seen hundreds of climbers there.

[@Kath4os]

@@nilsp9426 Yes of course there's absolutely no reliable sources here, but man just doing a few V8 or V9 outside you're already EASILY in the top 1% or 0,5%. You don't really need any statistics to say that, in any big gyms (more than 500 regular climbers) anywhere in the world (appart maybe for some crazy places like B-Pump or comp gyms), you can rarely find more that two or three climbers that can - really - do V8 and up. And I'm saying that being in France, Monptellier, where you can be sure there is A LOT of rock et good climbers...

[@aaronbickle2006]

@thebicninja - here for that La Sportiva goodness. I love watching climbers who are better than me. They make hard things look so clean. This video definitely puts things into a better perspective.

[@nicklongo6231]

@nicklongo72 This was a stellar video concept, and a great watch. Shoutout you for the effort and the editor (also you?) for the cool graphics!

[@JoshRundle]

Thank you 🙏 so pleased you liked it!! I edit 99% of my videos but this one was edited by the genius that is Sam Tooker

[@implausibleduck]

Love your videos, Josh - you may also be the funniest climbing you tuber.

[@taylormusick5550]

@taylormusick4 Super cool watching you make small progress on these boulders, while also demonstrating just how difficult and unique the competition climbing style is compared to normal gym climbs. Favorite quote: “you see that! I did a move on a boulder”

[@DomJC1992]

Great production value! Ridiculous how difficult these are for the (talented, strong) "layperson"

[@celinevanini6573]

@skywalk It's funny how I always think, "Hmm... that looks doable," when watching a competition. But then I see these kinds of videos and realize you have to be a monster to even get the first few moves!

[@milesstump9537]

@miles424 absolutely crazy how difficult these are, really puts into perspective how crazy the athletes are!

[@justinleng4199]

@justinlengch my friend actually tried the boulders there and couldn't even get started on any of them. Absolutely insane how strong the Olympians are!

[@knight0924]

@mattydlc thank you for the opportunity!! Great video as always

[@JMnyJohns]

Very fun, thanks. This reminds me of how helpful the African champ (Lauren M) was at the Paris Games. No shade on her as she is a great climber, but having a female continental champ who is probably at least a 5.14/8? climber score an Audi on the boulders really put the difficulty into perspective. Made me sad for her but made it easier to explain to my family how absurd they are. These top climbers are mutants.

[@andrewlangford1083]

I just subscribed because I love your videos. I have been climbing on the same pair of climbing shoes for 2yrs now and they have gaping holes. I really need new pairs of shoes and these would match my technical ability perfectly. I don’t want to purchase new ones without getting the full use of my existing pair.

[@abst7act863]

_lesed1m_ your the reason i started climbing

[@JoshRundle]

That’s made my day! Keep going climbing is the best 😃

[@BjornOnBass]

I love your humour even in the face of death on the wall!! Btw Josh, the hangboard promo link isn't working

[@JoshRundle]

Haha thank you! Oh no I’m sorry I will try and get that fixed asap!!

[@Kae_Dyn]

@towlekaden I'm a college student who's struggling to afford climbing equipment. Loved the Olympics this year.

[@CayzTheG]

@calebchernick you crushed it man 👏 solid effort on those boulders

[@jasonwang6989]

@sendingthecrux I was so fortunate to see the olympics live. Toby was incredible

[@aaronbickle2006]

Does the 'x' taped to the side of the first boulder mean it can't be used for a heel hook?

[@FullSpectrumClimbing]

Its crazy to see a V11 climber struggle

[@KrispClimbs]

Massive step up in the production and editing of this video😮👏 I used to want to try an olympic boulder for myself.... Now i definitely don't 🤣

[@chironcortez4411]

@kyronkortez still a newbie to climbing and i must say the video was a joy to watch

[@bernhardlangers778]

And that right there is the beauty and brutality of climbing. It just looks so deceptively easy when someone else does it and can be a case of not being able to just stay on the wall, let alone move.

[@nicklearoar]

@nickmgl I love my skwamas and they're nearly done for so feel like this is meant for me! sidenote, as a fellow lanky climber, I really appreciated watching you climb

[@koric7991]

@konrad_ric The fact that the world cup climbers are not just able to top these insane boulders, but have to figure it out in 4 minutes is just crazy.

[@129thorix]

@thorix1 I wish they showed more people climbing those Olympic routes to get a feel for how hard they really are. I think it might make it more fun for normal people if they knew the level of skill they were watching.

[@MrKrytec]

@floortmann Crazy to see how hard these boulders actually are and also how crazy the Olympic wall was

[@DuncanAtkinson]

Also gives you a lot of respect for the setters!

[@thecrazygreg._.9423]

@gregorksmith Josh, you've officially humbled yourself!

[@とり-p2r]

@reumination It's insane how easy Olympic climbers can make boulders look!

[@hellhound.666]

@hayleyberseth amazing work on these olympic level boulders !! i refuse to believe that olympic boulder problems are V5 😂 they seem waayyyyy harder than that

[@stevewakley9968]

What a great video! Really puts it into perspective. Good to see you have a supportive friend, in more ways than one 😂 Fingers crossed for the shoes, because thats obviously what i need to be able to do those @runnerwoo

[@wanneplay803]

its inane how big the competition moves are, also wow for giivng out free skwarmas to someone

[@daniel820118]

Just get in to it 4 month ago, this is unbelievable

[@aaayshaaa]

@habbabababa geez this video is humbling, the pros make it look so easy when they're on the big screen

[@DAJ2000]

On that first boulder, must be how Ai Mori feels. Can't even get started.

[@nikkosangcap7072]

@boul_dork_ink always a pleasure to see comp boulders

[@danielborges5694]

Oh man thats hard! Looking forward to win th give away😂😂

[@asperityrecon4538]

crazy to think about the levels of rockclimbing

[@jaronlee5488]

@jaronleee so inspiring and humbling to see how crazy good these athletes are

[@davidmc971]

@davidmc971 I'm always in awe watching the best pros climb, nice video!

[@victorjeu218]

@dfrvic I didn't think they were so tough. I thought I had a chance of making a zone on one of them, but now I think I wouldn't even make a single move.

[@boscoseng4357]

@boscoseng this is somehow satisfying to watch 😂

[@speciallylily]

@lilymayx I had so much respect for the Olympic climbers anyway but this really shows how good they are

[@standa-yt]

@standys.urb the frictitious hangboard is really cool idea, l really wanted a hangboard but didn't wanna drill, will have to check it out

[@nunojorge1877]

@nunojorge21 “Stay as you are and move onto the next one” How encouraging 😅

[@draganandrei5356]

This is the most depressing climbing video I've seen. I think every new beginner secretly dreams that he would reach Olympics, and this video is like a huge slap on the face. Those top climbers are different breed than the rest of us, their level is virtually unreachable.

[@mmq6525]

lol not really. If he practiced on these boulders for a few months, he would've gotten it down. The olympic climbers practiced the style of these boulders (but not the exact ones) for years

[@hannahpmedia]

@hpmedia "damn that was close...not really" sent me 😂

[@acpears]

“Normal person” v11 lol

[@callum3983]

@c.llum It's crazy to think that less than 5 minutes is given for boulders of this difficulty.

[@MEMarjMitchell]

Thanks for the reality check!😳

[@blam1228]

@thisisblam Insane to see such a huge gap at the Olympic level! I’d be proud of making 1 move too 😂

[@christoy9512]

@ctoy12 I've worn holes in the toes of both my pairs of shoes so this would be great to win, thanks for the chance! Cheers!

[@jjyy8850]

minijaes, thanks for the chance!

[@santor5]

Would have been great if you had introduced boulder number 5 and then gone and did the pink one in the corner, while explaining how hard it is despite what it looks like.

[@ubbaderostfriese4001]

@joanigraphy most olympic boulder problems are highly dinamic and full of big sloppy boulders. I wish there was more old school overhang/crimps etc.

[@DigitalRamen]

@digital_ramen excited!

[@tsioko98]

@tsiokoblue How you got the prescise foot size for each shoe though?

[@JoshRundle]

I’ll message you on Instagram and you can tell me what size you want and then I’ll send them to you 😃

[@tsioko98]

@@JoshRundle That's...very generous of you :P

[@TiagoRosado]

@im.tiago.rosado This is an excellent perspective on the difficulty of this sport, the professionals make it look too easy, when in reality for the average climber it feels almost impossible

[@iconekt]

@antonnvo SKWAMAS! 🙌🙌, btw would love to see u do more collabs with the japanese or magnus!

[@itsjayway]

@jibrun_a -- glad you had the opportunity to try and share these routes

[@tomvincent8403]

@thetomvincent Great video as always, love the new beta on the first wall 😂

[@joshsavill2962]

@jsavvy i really love the idea of doing these best in the world boulders but im not getting anywhere close XD great work on these boulders though!!

[@riveraxxi]

@odavidji. Been subscribed for a while, I don't think I would call you a normal climber haha but still goes to show how hard those climbs are.

[@imagzz4942]

@magnus.vo1 Crazy problems. The comp style is just so different compared to "normal" bouldering I guess.

[@JordarSofiason-qk9gj]

@jordarsofiason Greatings from Sweden. Super fun to see how a normal climber compere to the olympic levels.

[@malcolmfernandez3055]

@easymfmac it’s so cool that you get to try out those climbs no matter the result lol 😅

[@sleepybagels]

@minhee423 great perspective for Olympic level boulders!

[@willjebb887]

@willjebb Great video, really puts into perspective how good the world cup climbers are!

[@iinDenial]

@d.thaiii time to slap up these olympic boulders

[@glennmra8479]

@glennmra fun to see people who arent gods trying these boulders.

[@PortRhouse]

*Literally watching a human do it* ... "That's not humanly possible." I heavily relate to this, denial is a bitch.