The World’s Greatest Challengers: Mike Libecki
By Team EtchRock in Challenges,EtchRock
To kick off our World’s Greatest Challengers series we take a look at Mike Libecki. Mike is the living definition of what we at EtchRock would call a ‘Challenger’. Some may describe him as a climber, others may say he is an adventurer, he would probably tell you he’s a father. Mike has logged over 50 expeditions and solo-climbed some of the most remote peaks on the planet. Yemen, Kyrgyzstan, Venezuela, Antarctica and Afghanistan are to name but a few of the climbs that he has conquered.
Mike holds numerous awards and accolades’ including the prestigious National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year award, but for what he is most proud for is his daughter Lilliana. She is no stranger to adventure herself, and at only 12 years she is about to visit her seventh continent! Mike’s goal is to reach 100 expeditions by the time he is 100, and being over halfway, that goal is definitely reachable. You can see a great piece about Mike, Lilliana and his passion for adventure below.
Mike was kind enough to answer a couple of questions about his career and what drives him, here’s what he had to say:
-What would you say your greatest career highlight has been?
Of course, the most amazing, wonderful thing is being a dad to the most awesome daughter. She is 12 and is about to go to her 7th continent! I’m so proud of her. But she is not a career highlight; she is my life highlight…
Career highlights are all of my solo expeditions, to places like Antarctica, Afghanistan, Greenland, China, the list goes on…
-After you complete one expedition, how long is it until you jump into the next one?
It just depends really. I try to do at least 3 or 4 expeditions a year. I go kind of crazy if I go for too long without being in the remote and wild Earth!
-Did you have any climbers that you would look up to growing up?
Peter Croft was always a big inspiration. I used to follow him around in Yosemite. Jim Bridwell was also a big inspiration.
-I heard that you were taking your daughter Lilliana on a skiing expedition to Antarctica, can you tell me a little about that experience?
Yes, it was amazing! You can see the entire story here: https://vimeo.com/112414517
-Is there any type of extreme challenge that you have been itching to try other than climbing?
For me it’s all about the entire expedition. The people, the environment, the elements and the remote Earth. This is as well as the climbing of first ascents…Its the mystery, without mystery there is no adventure!
-Have you had any close calls? What has been your most scary experience?
Yes, of course. Huge rock fall while solo climbing in Afghanistan, it was the closest I have ever come to being killed. Also, another close call with some interesting ‘Taliban’ types in Afghanistan in the mountains! Rock fall, on many occasions…. It has been the scariest time, several times.
-What would Mike Libecki be doing if he wasn’t a climber?
I would have an animal sanctuary and a brewery. Once I hit 100 expeditions,
that is my plan, to have a brewery that benefits the animal sanctuary. I love animals and brewing beer!
-If someone were thinking about getting into climbing, what would be the one bit of advice you would give him or her?
That’s simple, here’s a few quotes I live by:
“The time is now…What are you waiting for? No excuses.”
“Dream big…And climb those dreams.”
“After all, it is not only life, but the quality of this life.”
“Death and/or old age is coming…We must live sweet.”
“Why ration passion?”
Photo courtesy of Mike Libecki
Mike’s attitude towards life is infectious. His relentless pursuit of what he loves most is endearing. The way he takes on challenges is a stark reminder (to me at least) that life is all about experiences and we only have one chance to make the most of it. As he ticks each expedition off his list, he does it not for recognition, but for his passion, a sense of adventure.
You can read more about Mike and what he is up to on his website: www.MikeLibecki.com
Or check him out on his Twitter or Facebook page.
Are you inspired by Mikes story? Has it brought out the inner climber in you? Let us know what your next big challenge will be on our Facebook page!
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