Selina Schwemmer

Intro

From psychology to medicine, from overcoming a fear of heights to competing on American Ninja Warrior Germany, Selina Schwemmer’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is one of resilience, curiosity, and passion—both on the wall and beyond it. In this interview, Selina opens up about her love for climbing, her Ninja Warrior experience, and the mindset that fuels her athletic and academic pursuits.

Quick Facts

• Name: Selina Schwemmer
• From: Altusried, Germany
• Currently Lives: Innsbruck, Austria
• Occupation: Medical Student (and former psychologist)
• Climbing Since: 5 years (seriously training the past 2)
• Favorite Outdoor Spots: Flatanger (Norway) & Silvretta (Austria)
• Ninja Warrior Germany: Competed in Season 9

The Climb Begins

Q: How long have you been rock climbing for?

A: I first started climbing on a rope outdoors about five years ago, but I had a strong fear of heights, so I didn’t really train seriously and only climbed occasionally. It wasn’t until two years ago that something clicked—my ambition kicked in, and since then I’ve been training six times a week. But I should say that I boulder more often—and I actually prefer bouldering.

Q: How did you get into rock climbing?

A: Through my boyfriend.

Training Grounds

Q: Where is your favorite place to climb outside? Why?

A: Since I’ve only been climbing and bouldering seriously for the past two years, I haven’t had the chance to visit that many outdoor areas yet. But so far, my favorite place for rope climbing is Flatanger in Norway, and for bouldering, I’ve loved Silvretta in Austria the most.

Q: Where is your favorite place to climb indoors? Why?

A: In Innsbruck. It’s my “home gym,” I know the people there, I meet training partners every day, and it has a huge selection of hard lead routes. There’s also a cool spray wall and a wooden wall for training.

Q: Do you have any climbing projects? If so, what and where are they?

A: For 2025, my goal was to climb an 8A boulder, which I achieved in June in Silvretta. But like it is with athletes, there’s always the next project waiting. There are still some more 8A boulders I’d like to do, and right now I’m in Flatanger projecting a route in the Hanshelleren cave called Open Shoulders (8a+).

Ninja Life

Q: How many seasons of American Ninja Warrior Germany have you competed on? And what seasons?

A: I competed in season 9 only.

Q: How far did you get on American Ninja Warrior Germany?

A: Unfortunately, I fell in the qualification round. I was devastated at the time because I still had plenty of strength left, but I was just too nervous and lost my focus.

Q: What was the hardest part of American Ninja Warrior Germany? And why?

A: For me, the hardest part was the mental side. You have to be 100% focused, confident, and fully committed. As a newcomer in the spotlight, that wasn’t easy at all.

Q: How did you get started in American Ninja Warrior Germany?

A: I met Philipp Göthert, and we watched the show together. He already knew he was going to be Last Man Standing because the episodes had been prerecorded, but I didn’t know. We made a bet that if he became Last Man Standing, I would apply too. And a bet is a bet. It turned out to be such a beautiful experience that I wouldn’t want to miss. Until that point, I had never trained Ninja, so I only had limited time to prepare for the sport.

Q: Who is your favorite American Ninja Warrior? And why?

A: I don’t know any of the American athletes because I haven’t watched the US show, but my favorite German athlete is Philipp Göthert. Not just because he’s my partner, but because I’m deeply impressed by his mindset, ambition, and perseverance. Even after his biggest successes, he remains incredibly humble and still analyzes what he could have done better.

Inspiration & Goals

Q: If you could climb with any professional climber, who would it be? And why?

A: I would love to climb with Michaela Kiersch because she is my absolute role model in women’s climbing. I’m also a huge fangirl of Tomoa Narasaki—I love his movement style and would love to be coached by him one day.

Q: Best advice to new climbers?

A: The most important thing is to have fun—progress will follow naturally. Be brave, dare to try, and don’t be afraid of what others might think when they watch you climb. Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own pace, their own style, and unique strengths that no one else has.

Q: If you had one fitness/climbing goal, what would it be? And why?

A: My ultimate climbing dream is a route in Flatanger that I think is the most beautiful line I’ve ever seen. Sadly, it’s probably too hard for me to ever climb. But if I could wish for one goal, it would be to climb Valkyrie (8c).

Fun Facts

Q: If you could be any animal, what would it be? And why?

A: I love elephants. They are strong but also intelligent, social beings with a very sensitive and empathetic core. That’s how I would describe myself, too.

Q: If you could do any other sport the rest of your life that isn’t climbing or Ninja, what would it be? And why?

A: I used to compete in track and field, which I really enjoyed. Since I also love nature and the mountains, I would choose trail running. I already do it sometimes, but climbing often takes priority.

Q: What is a fact about you people would be surprised to learn?

A: I first started climbing about five years ago, and I’ve only been training seriously for the last two years—mainly because I had extreme fear of heights and still struggle with fear of falling. I often have to step out of my comfort zone, but I can honestly say it’s worth it. Every victory over fear creates a feeling of self-efficacy that you can carry over into all areas of life.

Where to Find Selina

Want to keep up with Selina’s climbing journey and medical adventures? Follow her on Instagram: @selina.schwemmer