(Santiago) The more they compete in climbing together, the closer brothers Oscar and Victor Baudrand get. Initially rivals, they found a way to help each other and stick together to go higher, literally and figuratively.

Oscar, 18, was the first to speak to Sportcom after the combined event of the Pan American Games in Santiago. Disappointed with his performance, a little smirk still appears when asked about this fraternal bond.

“We haven’t always had the best relationship, but over the last few years, it’s helped a lot to have Victor by my side,” said the Salt Lake City resident. We help each other, there is emotional support and a great competitiveness where we push each other. It’s only positive that we are together. »

His older brother shares this opinion. For two years, Oscar has joined the World Cup circuit and can participate in the same events as him. In addition to training, there is travel, cohabitation and everything that encompasses sport which has strengthened this chemistry.

“It’s a great pleasure to share this moment with my brother. We motivate each other as brothers and when we struggle, we will help each other in the present moment,” commented Victor, aged 20.

Victor placed sixth overall Monday evening after achieving the eighth performance on the climbing wall, where competitors must climb as many possible routes as possible in four minutes. He performed well in the difficulty test, which consists of climbing as high as possible, obtaining the fourth best result.

“There was a lot of pressure and I still found it hard to manage. I kept my smile and I was happy to be there to climb, but in the end I was a little disappointed because I knew I was capable of more,” Victor shared in the mixed zone.

The hour of rest which separated the two rounds allowed him to relax.

“I left everything behind and did a great climb! I was physically and mentally tired, but I fought well. I am happy with the way I finished the competition. »

Oscar is in fifth place. He finished fifth on the climbing wall and eighth on the difficulty.

Climbing made its entry into the Olympic program at the Tokyo Games and will be presented in Paris. The sport was making its first appearance at the Pan American Games. The American Jesse Grupper, gold medalist in Santiago, obtained his ticket to the City of Lights.

For their part, the Baudrand brothers emerged very motivated to continue their progress. Victor, who lives and studies in Montreal, also wants to contribute to the influence of his sport in Quebec.

“I was in a good frame of mind for this competition. It helped a lot and I’m excited to continue pushing myself in the sport, training for future competitions. I know what I need to work on. I also want to help the climbing community in Quebec, which supports me and makes me proud. There is a lot of potential in the province, it would be cool to see more young Quebecers climb internationally. »