Throughout your career you've done a wide range of first ascents and repeats. Which problems stand out to you as being landmarks of progress in your climbing?

In terms of landmarks of progress, when I made the second ascent of The Game in Boulder Canyon, Colorado, that moment stands out for me as the first time I realized that I could potentially climb at a world-class level. Overall, I didn't feel like I was climbing at that level at the time, but it gave me a glimpse of what I could achieve in the future. It's those perspective-shifting moments that are most valuable to progression. I've seen people who are world class in ability never have a perspective shift and in turn never realize their full potential. I was lucky to have these moments at the right time.

The other moment that stands out for me is when I completed the first ascent of The Kingdom in Brione, CH. I was at my peak in confidence and strength at the time. I had put a lot of effort into making that particular problem a reality. When I climbed it, it felt really easy. Just flowed like it should. It's moments like those that are important to me because they help you understand what climbing is supposed to feel like. Effortless. Those moments are so rare though. That's why it's important to take the time to grasp them as they are happening. Put that feeling in your back pocket and hold onto it for the rest of your life.

What do you think drives you to put the effort you did into problems like The Kingdom? How do you approach a project like that mentally?

At the time, I was driven to put effort into the project that became The Kingdom because it was an aesthetic, obvious and inspiring line. The moves fit me really well and I knew they were at the upper end of the difficulty scale for me. It's not often that you find projects that are just barely outside of your ability and when you find them it's important to take the time to make them a reality.

I approached that particular project with curiosity at first. I spent a few days figuring out the moves and really enjoyed that part of the process. Once I solved the individual moves, I knew it was only a matter of time and dedication to piece it all together. Luckily I had other projects in Switzerland at the time, so the process didn't become a life consuming thing. It helped me mentally relax by not focusing on one objective. The day I sent I didn't really have any expectations. I thought it was going to be wet that day and it ended up being a bit damp but I remember just being stoked that I would be able to at least try it. Sometimes it's best to just be happy with the chance to climb and not get too wrapped up in the send.