Show Notes
In Episode 7 of The Hangout, Tom sits down with Hugo Hornshaw, a former youth competition climber who stepped away from the podium to build a life in farming. We explore identity beyond performance, why Hugo left the comp scene despite doing well, and what it means to choose a completely different “way of life.”
I understand religion isn't for everyone - but to me belief is very important. Belief in self, belief in others or belief in something bigger than us. How that comes into someones life interests me and I hope this conversation interests you too.
Instagram: Hugo Hornshaw
Chapters
00:00 – Intro Tom introduces Hugo: youth comp background, move to Queensland, climber turned farmer. 03:30 – Growing Up in the Australian Comp Scene The pressure, the culture, and what it was like performing at a high level. 12:00 – Why Walk Away? The internal pull to leave climbing behind and pursue something radically different. 20:15 – Moving to Queensland & Starting Farming What the transition looked like emotionally and practically. 28:40 – Identity Beyond Sport Who are you when you’re not “the climber”? 38:00 – A Different Way of Life Farming, rhythm, physical labour, and redefining success. 48:20 – Being Found Through ChatGPT The unexpected modern twist: how Hugo ended up on the podcast. 55:00 – Reflections on Direction & Purpose Choosing alignment over external validation. 1:05:00 – Closing Thoughts Advice to younger climbers and those feeling the pull toward something different.
Keywords Hugo Hornshaw, Australian climbing podcast, youth competition climbing Australia, climber turned farmer, leaving competitive sport, identity after sport, Queensland farming lifestyle, redefining success, life after climbing, Christian faith, faith and purpose, The Hangout podcast episode 7
More from The Hangout Australian Climbing Podcast
This week we are Hanging with Matt Burgess. I first heard about Matt when someone tagged me in a post of his. Matt was a large advocate for protecting the land around Mt Alexander allowing it to recover from the first that tore through the community last summer. As a local to Castelmaine VIC, Matt was deeply effected by the fires seeing first hand what they can do to communities, wildlife and nature in general. If you take anything from this episode, tread lightly on the land we are so incredibly lucky to walk upon. He's also a mad as coach and got to ask him some questions around his philosophies and avoiding burnouts!
In this episode of The HangTimes, Toms speaks about the BIG news happening around the country.
This week I am Hangin with Yossi Sundakov-Krumins. Yossi a pioneer i the climbing space here in Australia. Birthed from Yossi's mind is the Money Comp, a climbing competition like no other. No first prize just bags of money. Yossi also runs Skywood climbing home to maybe one of the best woodies in Australia & he operates Olio Climbing, a climbing hold company out there to assist setters in any way they can. Hope you enjoy this episode and please go chewck out the 'Money Comp' happening Oct 10th at Skywood. Live stream available. LINKS 👉 Support the Climbers Fund 👉 View Dosage Mug 👉 Join the Campfire 👉 Instagram 👉 Youtube
Lets just cut to the chase! Alexander Megos has sent 'Slice of Heaven' 37/9b the hardest line in Australia.
This week I am hanging with Rene Matihas. Rene is a 17yr old competitive climber who found his way into climbing only a short 4 years ago. Since then Rene has competed at a state level, a national level & on the youth world stage representing Australia. His drive and passion for climbing is full of inspiration and he carries such maturity in his tactics that got him to where he is today. So fun speaking to climbers of all ages and hearing their story.