One of the most intriguing things about sports is that two people who are inarguably great at the same activity can have completely different styles in practice. This is precisely the case with Alex Honnold and Adam Ondra. These are two massive names in climbing, but their modus operandi is poles apart. One is the king of free solos and the other is a master of speed climbing. But the respect they have for each other is a testament to their sportsmanship.

During a tête-à-tête, these legends got to talking about their climbing methodology and mindset. That’s when they realized exactly how different they looked at the sport that they both love.

Alex Honnold and Adam Ondra Have Completely Different Views on Climbing

The only thing that is probably similar between Honnold and Ondra when it comes to climbing is, well, they’re both climbers. However, the way they process their climbing experiences is as different as fire and water. Guess who is more like fire and who is more like water? While Adam Ondra’s style is more explosive and dynamic, for Alex Honnold, climbing is almost like meditation.

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When Honnold realized how distinct their thought process was, he exclaimed, “You look at climbing very differently than me… I can’t try that hard at all, you know. It’s like, I find climbing very relaxing, meditative… Basically, I don’t like trying my very very hardest.” It is almost hilarious coming from someone who literally climbs 3000-foot-tall granite mountains without any ropes.

While Honnold claimed he is satisfied giving his 75%, for Ondra, “I like giving 100% because it’s fun!” To this, Honnold only had one thing to say, “See? I don’t like giving 100% because it is hard and it is painful.” 

“What the F*CK…”: Alex Honnold Was Stunned by Adam Ondra’s Bizarre Recovery Time During Speed Climbing in 2020

They might be different from each other, but both of them have done wonderful things in their careers.

The Speed Climber vs. The Free Solo-er

Adam Ondra is like a bullet, shooting off from one crevice to another like a real-life Spider-man. Alex Honnold, on the other hand, likes to take his sweet time, and think about each move. For Honnold, climbing is a way to disconnect from the world. Ondra is big on competitive climbing. He takes part in Climbing World Championships and has won 4 Championship titles.

On the other hand, Honnold is not interested in competing. His climbing is unhurried, and he meditates before climbing. In fact, Honnold doesn’t want to climb any better or harder. He is satisfied with the level he has already achieved. They might be different in many ways, but their love of climbing and their proficiency at it will always tie them together. Who is your favorite out of the two?

Watch this story: 31-year-old former Dallas Cowboys Tight End Gavin Escobar tragically passes away in a rock climbing accident