Angelika recently took first place in the prestigious Ice Climbing World Cup in Rabenstein in Italy. This win came just a fortnight after taking first in the World Championships in Korea. It’s the third time that Angelika has won the World Champs (in 2009, 2011 and 2013) and last year she was the overall winner of the World Cup. Here we quiz her with our Women’s Zone

Q&A:

First, tell us about that amazing World Cup win: Winning at home in front of family, friends and fans was a special feeling. It made me really happy, as it was not easy to win under such pressure being the local favourite. The completion was tough, from other good female climbers, Maria and Anna from Russia and Shin from Korea, but it also felt motivating to have them as rival contestants.

How did you get into climbing?: As a child I always went hiking in the mountains with my mother. Then, when I was 12, a climbing gym opened in my home town and this gave me the opportunity to start climbing. I immediately became hooked. Since then, I have lived to climb and I enjoy various disciplines such as sport, ice and alpine climbing.

What is it that you like about climbing? I like that it is a sport that you can do outside, amid nature. It’s great, too, that it allows you travel to many places all over the world to find new routes. Climbing is also very rewarding, from when you start to becoming top class. I also like that climbing involves both your body and your head and it is a special feeling to be able to concentrate only on climbing and forget the rest of your life for a while. 

Why do you think you're a good climber? Because I really enjoy climbing and training for it. The most important thing is have fun doing it.

Tell us about your training: For the ice climbing competitions I train specifically, starting at the end of summer and training for power, endurance and technique. In the spring I do bouldering to prepare for the sports climbing season and I climb in the gym and outdoors.

Do you pay attention to nutrition?: I don’t follow a specific diet but try to eat a healthy, balanced diet including fruits and vegetables, meat and carbohydrates. 

Do you have a coach? Yes, I work with my coach Helli to train for the ice climbing competitions.

Are you sponsored?: Yes. My sponsors are Berghaus, La Sportiva, Grivel and Kiku and only thanks to them can I dedicate so much time to the sport I love.

What is next for you? There are still two competitions in the World Cup to do, then I will change to sports climbing. This year, I am already motivated to try some new routes. In sports climbing last year I was able to I climb my first 8b+ and in 2008 I was the first woman to climb the alpine route “Via Italia 61”, 8a on Piz Ciavaces in the Dolomites. I want to do so much more than this!

Do you have any inspirational tips for other women climbers? Try to beat your fear and to give your best – and climbing will give you great satisfaction and many unforgettable moments.

Thanks to Berghaus for putting us in touch with Angelika.

Interview by FionaOutdoors

Note: This article was restored from the archives. It's published creation date is inaccurate.