Kilian Jornet, renowned for his remarkable feats in mountain running and skiing, made a special appearance on La Revuelta, hosted by David Broncano, on February 13, 2024. Jornet's segment opened with some unexpected drama when Jorge Ponce, one of the collaborators on the show, staged a prank disguised as a doctor, catching both the host and the audience off guard. While the audience held their breath, the initial panic turned quickly to laughter as the ruse was revealed.
Throughout the evening, Jornet captivated viewers with fascinating tales from his life rooted high up among the mountains. Growing up at over 2,000 meters, he reflected nostalgically on his childhood, saying, “For me, the special memories are of going to the beach or to cities like Barcelona or Paris. My everyday life was about climbing peaks and exploring nature. Everything else was different.” His experiences provided stark contrasts to the urban phenomena most children may take for granted.
Broncano, known for his lighthearted interviewing style, quizzed Jornet on everything from his training regime to his experiences at extreme altitudes. One memorable moment came when Jornet humorously remarked, “I don’t like waking up early… so I climb Mont-Blanc and return home within five hours.” This jovial tone encapsulated the essence of Jornet’s personality—one who thrives on challenges but does not take himself too seriously.
During the interview, Jornet shared stories of incredible endurance, including his experiences crossing the Pyrenees without sleep for over 40 hours. Feeling the toll of fatigue, he explained, “You start seeing things during long traverses. I want to stay healthy; I definitely don’t want to take drugs… but running for 40 hours brings you to the same place.” His accounts underscored the limits of human endurance and the dangers of extreme sports.
Jornet's adventures have taken him to the summit of Everest not once, but twice within the span of several days. His first ascent, he detailed, was marred by illness, finishing the climb after 26 hours. Initially unable to eat due to health issues, he humorously added, “I remembered I had diarrhea and just couldn’t manage to eat to regain my energy.” On returning to Everest five days later, he quickly climbed to the peak again, setting off on the descent when the strain of altitude and exhaustion took hold. “Descending at 8,300 meters, I had this vision of someone following me, even though I knew it wasn’t real,” he recounted, drawing chuckles from the audience. His ability to articulate the surreal experiences of extreme exhaustion added to the intrigue of his character.
Beyond the physical challenges, the discussion turned to Jornet’s views on wealth and environmental stewardship. He dished out his straightforward perspective, saying, “I’ve made more than I need, having around 150,000 to 200,000 euros. I prefer to funnel my income back to projects aimed at preserving mountain spaces.” Here, he demonstrated his personal commitment to sustainable practices—an issue he cares deeply about, especially as climate change impacts even high-altitude ecosystems.
While he may be recognized globally for his athletic prowess, Jornet’s reflections on life’s simpler pleasures were perhaps the most telling. Recalling time spent at the beach during vacations, he laughed, “What were we going to do for an entire week at the beach? We turned around and went skiing instead after just one day!” His whimsical attitude highlighted the paradoxical relationship he holds with urbanity and relaxation—ever the mountain man at heart.
Finally, the interview closed with some lighter fare as Broncano asked about the typical “money in the bank” question posed to all guests. Jornet chuckled as he mentioned his finances but expressed satisfaction with his life choices and aspirations to improve the world for future generations. “The best I can do for my daughters is to leave them with a healthier planet,” he concluded.
To wrap up the evening, La Revuelta treated viewers to music from the band Cupido, themed around love as Valentine’s Day approached. The segment not only showcased Jornet’s incredible life story but also signaled the growing cultural relevance of the show, appealing to fitness enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.