The Austrian Gerlinde Kalternbruner is the first woman in the world to climb all 14 eight-thousanders of the Earth without oxygen and thus repeated the achievement of the legendary Italian Reinhold Messner. Gerlinde set foot on her first peak above 8000 m (Broad Peak) in 1998 and became the winner of the "Himlayan crown" after her successful 2011 ascent of K2, her seventh attempt. What's more, she made these ascents without the help of high-altitude porters.
Gerlinde has a number of other ascents of lower peaks in the Himalayas, Andes, Alaska. Her accomplishments have earned her a number of awards, some of which include: the Mountaineering Award in the name of King Albert, "Alpinist of the Year" of the Alpine Club of Munich, the Golden Badge of Merit of the Republic of Austria, the Badge of Honor of the Pirn Hospital (she worked there for many years as a nurse), "Researcher of the Year" of the National Geographic Society.
However, her passion is not limited to the eight-thousanders. The Austrian is also inspired by exchange and collaboration with different communities. Gratitude, inner passion and respect for nature are at the heart of her motivation. Again and again she tries to share these values and attitudes with her contemporaries from different cultures through engaging lectures and workshops.
"Mountains are my life. Climbing enriches me, gives meaning to my life because I can be completely myself. Besides that, of course, the majestic nature inspires me. Mountains require a lot of strength, but they also give you a lot in return. In fact I have never strived for records, but always only for movement and unique experiences in the mountains. Mountains are my elixir of strength."
Gerlinde Kaltenbruner is the face of Deuter and Komperdell.