When and how did you get into climbing and what kept you interested / fascinated in the sport?
Relatively late – I started climbing at the age of 19 and then fully committed. There were very few weekends when I wasn’t in the mountains. At 23, I joined the German expedition team. I simply love being outdoors, which makes it easy to stay motivated. The diversity of the mountain world inspires me again and again.
Who was your childhood hero and do you consider yourself a role model now? Does it influence you at all that other people look up to you?
I never really had one. Back then, as today, there were many personalities who inspired me, but not a single hero.
In recent years, I’ve noticed that I am a role model for some people. It still surprises me sometimes, but at the same time I’m happy if I can inspire others. Nevertheless, I try to stay true to myself, treat everyone equally, and pass on my values.
What were the most important milestones in your life so far, both in climbing and in everyday life? Did you immediately recognize them as such or only later on?
The DAV expedition team was actually a major milestone – although I only realized that in hindsight. I met amazing people, learned a lot, and spent a lot of time in the mountains. Looking back, it was a real boost to my self-confidence.
What were your greatest failures / setbacks / injuries? How did you cope with them and how did you come back from them?
So far – fortunately – I’ve never been seriously injured. However, I am very familiar with turning back in the mountains. Where others might see failure, I’ve always used it as a chance to learn. Turning back is part of mountaineering, and the sooner we learn that, the better. One day everything will align, and the joy of reaching the summit will be even greater.