Sam Avezou - The SECRETS to French Climbing

Sam is a French boulder and lead climber who has medals from several world cups and competed alongside his sister, Zelia at the Paris Olympics! In this episode, we’ll learn more about what it’s like growing up in a climbing family, tips for climbing as a short king, why he struggled in the 2025 season, and how he self-coaches.Guest links:Sam’s InstagramGuitar InstagramReference links:Thank you Mad Rock for sponsoring this episode! Use code 'notrealclimber' for 10% off your ENTIRE order, even if you're a returning customer! https://madrock.com/Learn more about the podcast at www.thatsnotrealclimbingpodcast.comFollow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcastJoin the FREE community in Discord! https://discord.gg/QTa668g8zpJoin Patreon for a welcome gift, deleted scenes, and question priority: www.patreon.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcastTimestamps of discussion topics0:00 - Intro1:24 - Mad Rock Shoutout!!2:34 - His mother still competing at 42 years old7:45 - Getting into climbing and competing9:31 - AUDIENCE Q: Did growing up in a climbing family add pressure?12:52 - Struggling between youth and senior circuits16:51 - Rough 2025 season22:53 - 2028 Olympics strategy26:37 - Being a short king31:34 - AUDIENCE Q: Tips for short kings?35:41 - Training with the French team37:51 - AUDIENCE Q: how do you self coach?41:21 - Training only with climbing45:21 - Gyms worth visiting in Paris47:05 - Secrets to French slab51:37 - AUDIENCE Q: What are you thinking about when climbing?56:06 - Mental game58:41 - 2026 goals1:01:22 - AUDIENCE Q: Playing guitar?1:04:58 - AUDIENCE Q: Can you make a living climbing?1:08:40 - AUDIENCE Q: How to gain finger strength?1:12:23 - AUDIENCE Q: Recovery routine?1:15:56 - Where to find Sam