Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner's interest in mountaineering was born and nurtured at a young age. The leader of the youth group in her Upper Austrian home parish of Spital am Pyhrn - the parish priest Dr Erich Tischler - provided the striking introduction to the world of mountains. He took Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner on numerous mountain tours after Sunday mass - initially on the local mountains around her home parish. In the years that followed, she never missed an opportunity to go mountaineering.

Her passion for the highest mountains on earth was rewarded at ISPO Munich in 2016. Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner received the ISPO trophy as "Sports Personality of the Year" at the trade fair. In addition to her achievements in sport, Gerlinde's social commitment was also honoured. For many years, the extreme mountaineer has been involved with Nepalhilfe Beilngries, which realises the construction of village schools, children's homes and hospital wards.

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner,

WHEN DID YOU JOIN LOWA?
"I've been a professional partner of LOWA since 2004. But even before the official co-operation, I was already wearing LOWA shoes most of the time. That's why I immediately identified with the brand and have always enjoyed travelling with LOWA ever since."

WHAT MAKES A GOOD COOPERATION FROM YOUR POINT OF VIEW?
"For me, what makes a good collaboration is that we as athletes are allowed to contribute our ideas to the products. Especially with models that we use ourselves on a permanent basis. I'm also pleased that Werner Riethmann has enabled us to develop and produce specialised shoes that are not manufactured in large quantities. One example is Ines Papert's ice climbing shoe in addition to the expedition shoes. We were involved right from the start and asked: What could be improved? What do you need? Over the years, the collaboration has become increasingly constructive. The team of athletes has grown. We often exchange ideas with each other and are always travelling together."

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT TIME?
"I haven't been on any expeditions in the last two years. That was important and good for me, but now I feel that I'm longing to set off again. Next summer I would like to go on a nice six-thousander or seven-thousander expedition. Gasherbrum IV, an interesting seven-thousander in Pakistan, is still in the back of my mind. I would also love to go mountaineering in India, because there are plenty of technically challenging six-thousanders there. But the eight-thousanders are definitely finished for me. There are so many beautiful six-thousanders and seven-thousanders that still need to be explored. I'm also currently doing a lot of rock climbing again, which I really enjoy. I've missed it out a bit due to all the expeditions I've been on in recent years. I would also like to continue giving talks. I find inspiring other people to achieve their own goals very rewarding and makes me happy."

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF TOURISM IN THE HIGH MOUNTAINS?
"There is a certain ambivalence, as I have travelled in the high mountains myself. Just because I've stopped doing it now, I don't want to suddenly say that it's an unfavourable development. However, it has unfortunately crept in over the last few years that more and more people who lack mountaineering experience are travelling on the high mountains. On Mount Everest, I personally saw participants on expeditions who already had problems putting on their crampons. They simply lack the necessary background knowledge to tackle such a big goal. I would like to see individuals develop an awareness of the need to set themselves smaller goals first, which they can then achieve under their own steam and thus also gain experience for the higher mountains."

HOW DOES YOUR VEGAN EATING HAVE AN EFFECT ON TOP SPORT?
"I feel completely comfortable with my vegan diet. Especially in Nepal or Pakistan, it's very easy to eat a vegan diet. There are many plant-based dishes there. For example, there are over 35 different types of lentils, which have a very high protein content. There are also lots of rice, vegetable and potato dishes. In these countries, I am really well catered for and I also take nuts, dried fruit and seeds with me from home. Since I've been eating a vegan diet, I sleep more peacefully, my mental concentration has improved and the recovery time after training sessions has been reduced. For me personally, this diet has many advantages."