In Barcelona on August 8-9, Angela Eiter, triple world champion in climbing, celebrated her first podium after returning from injury. Here, the 23-year-old Austrian talks about her second place in Spain, her upcoming 'home' World Cup event in Imst, and the 'positive' aspect of her injury.
Fifth position at the World Championship in Xining, fifth place at the Lead World Cup in Chamonix and now second in Barcelona: it's a pretty sensational comeback to form, isn't it?
"Being back is such a good feeling. It's been a difficult time. A shoulder injury is by far the worst you can get as a climber. I wasn't sure if I would ever find my former strength again. You can imagine how relieved I am now."
"Being back is such a good feeling. It's been a difficult time. A shoulder injury is by far the worst you can get as a climber. I wasn't sure if I would ever find my former strength again. You can imagine how relieved I am now."
Did you feel any pain during the competition in Barcelona?
"Fortunately not. I've been pain-free for the last three weeks."
And have you finished your treatment?
And have you finished your treatment?
"Basically, yes. I will continue my prophylactic therapies, though, as they're good for my shoulder."
You've been quoted as saying that the injury 'benefitted' you as a person. How has it had a positive impact on your career?
"If I felt a twinge in the past, I ignored it. Because of the injury, I've learned to listen to my body and pay attention to the signals that it sends out. And I recognised that climbing is important but not the most important thing in my life. Of course, I'll try to win again, but being healthy is also a great feeling. It's good to be fit again as well as back climbing."
Next weekend is the Lead World Cup contest in Imst. How do you rate your chances on your 'home wall'?
"It's difficult to say. It depends on the course. In Barcelona, the holds were small and finger pressure was important. That suited me. The overhang of the course in Imst benefits the more athletic climbers."
Will you meet up with your family and friends in Imst?
"We'll organise something nice, but it'll be a small party. Unfortunately, Imst doesn't offer much in that regard, despite being such a good place for a World Cup!"
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