Angela Eiter is a professional climber hailing from Austria. She's a champion competitive climber holding multiple Lead Climbing World Cup championships. Last year, she became the first woman to climb 5.15b by sending La Planta de Shiva at Villanueva del Rosario, Spain.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in a valley near my today's home region Imst in Tyrol, Austria. Since I was a child I have always played outdoors enjoying the mountains and forests. Nature has been a part of my life for as long as i can remember.
Angy Eiter climbing "Planta de Shiva" 9b. Villanueva del Rosario (Spain) 25-10-2017. © Javipec / ASP / Red Bull Content Pool
You have had some recent significant accomplishments in your climbing career. What are some of them and what has the dedication and work been like over the past few years towards achieving?
I experienced successful competitions where I became 4 time World Champion, 3 time World Cup Winner overall and European Champion in 2010. There are more, but these are some of the most significant to me.
My motivating factor is my passion and pursuit of fun. With this drive I am eager to learn how I can improve in climbing and in my life generally. Then, I want to pass my experience over to other people.
Two time world champion Angy Eiter competing at the World Cup of Kranj, Slovenia. © Stanko Gruden/Red Bull Content Pool
Being in such a visible position within the sport comes with a lot of pressure and expectation. How do you balance yourself?
The pressure mainly comes from myself. Over time I have learned how to deal with it. Being satisfied with my performance and accepting the situation leads me to success.
Do you have a specific focus within the environment?
I simply love nature and as it is my playground I want to keep it clean.
Where in the world do you identify the most with?
I identify myself with a flower in the alpine areas in my home region of Imst. There, I lead a life in an almost completely clean area, where people protect this specific landscape in order for that rare species of flower to survive in this region.
Angy Eiter during the ascent of 'Turkish Airways' (8a+) in Anatolia. © Bernhard Ruech/Red Bull Content Pool
If you could send a message to every young person in the world today regarding the environment and the great outdoors, what would it be?
Nature is your basic tool where you lead your life. Go out and look around at how beautiful nature is, our plants, our animals, the sky, the sun etc. Nature is getting destroyed day by day. Act differently and keep it clean by doing small things. Protecting nature means protecting your future.
What is your next great adventure or goal?
I want to explore different areas and rocks for climbing. I am interested in meeting other cultures and see the beautiful sides of our planet.
With respect to the environment and its current critical state, what about the future truly scares you?
I am quite afraid of the result of the disregardful behaviour of human beings. However, I am sure nature will always resist and gets stronger. I am afraid that we simply have come too far and we cannot completely secure the environment for the future.
Angela Eiter performs during the IFSC World Climbing Championships in Paris, France on September 15th, 2012 © Stanko Gruden/Red Bull Content Pool
Do you have a plan to use your gifts as an athlete in combination with your desire for a better environment?
I take care of my environment with small, simple things. For example, I do not waste water, I recycle, I buy products with little or no wrapping, and i look for recyclable things. I want to act as a positive example and pass on my attitude to other people.
If you could have one wish, what would it be?
Peace forever and for everyone!
Where can people find you, follow you, get in touch?
Instagram: @angyeiter
Facebook: @angy.eiter
Header Photo Credit: Portrait of Angela Eiter in Fuschl, Austria on July 7th 2011 © Philip Platzer/Red Bull Content Pool
