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Anthony “Andy” Gullsten

Bouldering

/ Finland

Date of birth:

1991.12.20

Hometown:

Helsinki, Finland

Sponsors:

La Sportiva, Kiipeilyareena, Vandernet,

Hobbies:

Movies, music, cycling

Favourite athletes:

Too many to list

BIO

I’m an avid climber, voyager and route-setter from Finland. I have climbed for a good decade now and I hope it will go on for many more.

I have been to quite a few climbing destinations, but there is still so much I haven’t had the chance to discover yet. So traveling is obviously a big part of my life, but it wouldn’t be the same without all the friends and family that come with it.

I mainly boulder and sport climb, but I am always up for new challenges, for example trad and big walls. Just haven’t found the time to get to it yet!

I also enjoy competitions. Internationally and nationally. I am amazed of the ingenuity of the route setters. Even though nature has plenty to offer, the problems in competitions are always unique. In climbing I search for the perfect balance of movement, aesthetics and challenge.

INTERVIEW

What are you looking for to accomplish?

I don’t have any specific goals at the moment. It’s more like a general direction I’m pursuing. Trying to evolve, physically and mentally. There’s so much I have yet to learn!

What would be your greatest achievement?

Finding this amazing sport that constantly inspires me to try harder and harder.

What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?

There are always the physical and mental challenges which occur in every single sport. But one of the difficulties people rarely discuss is the financial one. Especially in climbing, traveling is a big part of performing when in competitions, or outdoor climbing.

What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?

The feeling when you’re on the wall. You feel absolutely free and without any distractions.

Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?

Bouldering is something that I often practice by myself and there are quite a few different places you can do that in Helsinki.

What do you do during your training which is key to your success

I don’t have any specific training. Since climbing is a versatile sport, I like to train many different aspects of climbing. Climb in different gyms, fingerboard etc.

What are you most nervous about when competing?

The fear of failure. It wasn’t always like that. But now that I know people expect me to do well, because I’ve done well before, there’s more pressure.