Russian mountaineering team leader succumbs to victorious climb
Renowned Russian mountaineer Nikolai Totmianin, known for his remarkable climbing feats, has passed away at the age of 66 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The Russian Mountaineering Federation (RMF) announced the news, which was reported by the SHOT Telegram channel.
Totmianin, who started practicing mountaineering in 1976, was recognized as "one of the strongest high-altitude climbers in the country." He was the captain of the Russian national mountaineering team and had a reputation for his expertise in both extremely difficult technical climbs and high-altitude ascents.
Totmianin's achievements included climbing Mount Everest twice, a feat that few have accomplished. He was particularly noted for free climbing the technical Second Step at difficulty ratings of 5.8/5.9, a challenge only completed by a handful of climbers. He also summited Pobeda Peak multiple times and completed 27 climbs graded 5A, 10 graded 5B, and 63 big-wall climbs.
In 2008, Totmianin was awarded the prestigious "Golden Ice Axe" for his first ascent of the north face of Peak Khan (7,710 m) in the Himalayas. The RMF described him as a "notable mountaineer of our time."
The circumstances surrounding Totmianin's death were not explicitly provided in the available sources, but it was reported that he passed away due to heart failure. The news came after he had conquered Victory Peak (7,439 m) in Kyrgyzstan's mountains.
Totmianin's death leaves a significant gap in the Russian mountaineering community, where he was highly respected for his pioneering climbs and contributions to the sport. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of climbers.
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After having conquered Victory Peak in Kyrgyzstan, Totmianin, the renowned Russian mountaineer, passed away in Bishkek at the age of 66. Despite his success in climbing some of the world's tallest mountains, Totmianin was also an avid football fan and enjoyed playing the sport whenever his rigorous training schedule allowed.
