Avalanche expert Sabrina Filzmoser describes K2 descent: "Rockfall resembles waterfall"
In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Sabrina Filzmoser, a former two-time Judo European champion, attempted to climb K2, the second highest and most difficult mountain in the world.
Filzmoser, who is also a helicopter pilot specially trained for rescue flights, an environmental ambassador for the World Judo Federation, and the chairperson of the Athletes' Commission, embarked on her ambitious journey in Pakistan. She spent three weeks acclimatizing at an altitude of 5,000 meters, a period during which an extremely large number of red blood cells formed in her body to aid her body's adaptation to the high altitude.
However, Filzmoser's attempt was unsuccessful due to a rockfall caused by extreme drought. The population in Pakistan, despite diverse cultures, religious regulations, and poverty, proved to be incredibly hospitable throughout her journey.
Filzmoser's "Judo for Peace" mission is not over upon her flight home from Karachi. She spends her days training daily with children in Pakistan who have nothing but enthusiasm for the sport. In Islamabad, she embraces her Tyrolean mountain friends Lukas and Vincent Woehrle, and Ales Cesen from Slovenia, in her mission.
Sabrina Filzmoser has been praised in Pakistani media as a development worker and peace ambassador connected with Judo. Her work in the country has earned Austria promotion. However, Filzmoser is unsure about a third attempt to climb K2 and needs to distance herself from the recent events first.
Tragically, during her expedition, Filzmoser learned about the death of Laura Dahlmeier, a German biathlon Olympic champion, who was killed by falling rocks while descending from Leila Peak, 15 kilometers away from Filzmoser's base camp. Filzmoser's previous K2 project was abandoned two years ago due to a local porter's death due to lack of assistance further up.
Despite the setbacks, Filzmoser reports that all her fingers and toes are intact, a testament to her endurance and the rigorous training she undergoes. The exact reasons for her decision to abandon her third attempt to climb K2 are not clear at this time. Climbers often abandon attempts on K2 due to factors such as severe weather conditions, health or safety concerns, or logistical challenges.
As more detailed or updated sources become available, we will provide a precise answer regarding Sabrina Filzmoser’s decision to abandon her third attempt to climb K2. Until then, we salute her spirit and dedication to her missions, both on and off the mountain.
Other sports have not deterred Sabrina Filzmoser from her mission, as she trains daily with children in Pakistan, teaching them hockey alongside Judo. Despite the tragic loss of Laura Dahlmeier in the region, Filzmoser continues to embrace partners in Islamabad, fostering her love for all sports among the children.
