Twice on the brink of death, yet back on top

Tendon likes to support inspiring climbers and Michael Füchsle is definitely one of them. He developed his passion for heights as a boy and has achieved many successes throughout his career that have made him a respected figure in the climbing community. Despite health complications and difficult times, where he almost lost his life twice, he never gave up and managed to return to the activity he loved. Today Michael is one of the coaches of the German paraclimbing team, where he passes on his experience to other talented climbers with disabilities. He shared his story with us in a short interview.

Can you tell us about your journey into climbing? How did you get started, and what inspired you to pursue it despite your handicap?

I've been climbing since I was 12 years old and got into climbing through hiking with my parents. I started climbing with my father back then, we had never attended a climbing course. In the early years I also went on alpine activities, but then at the age of 15 I concentrated purely on sport climbing and became a Porfi.  I was one of the first climbers in Germany who was able to make a living from climbing purely through sponsors. I travelled to climbing areas all over the world and in the 80s I was already climbing routes with a 10th degree of difficulty, making first ascents and taking part in several international climbing competitions. My life changed abruptly in 2005. I suffered a ruptured intestine with all the associated complications. Emergency operation - 14 days in a coma - blood poisoning - wheelchair.  I was paralysed from the neck down and the doctors said I would never leave the wheelchair again, but with an iron will I managed to leave the wheelchair again after 6 months, but despite everything it took another 7 years before I was able to start climbing again.  In 2015, I competed in my first international climbing competition for paraclimbers in Imst for a long time and immediately took 5th place. In the following years, I travelled to several climbing areas throughout Europe again with my girlfriend Marion and successfully took part in a number of competitions. Since 2022 I have been co-coach of the German Paraclimbing Team. In April 2023, I suffered another health setback and almost died of organ failure. Due to my previous illness polyneuropathy from 2005, I had to learn to walk again from scratch, but thanks to my girlfriend who visited me in hospital every day and got me out of bed every hour and we learnt to walk, I was already climbing again 3 weeks later.

What motivates you to keep pushing your limits in climbing? Are there specific goals or dreams you're aiming for?

Climbing is my life, even though I have to deal with health setbacks time and again, I can't imagine life without climbing. I still have so many goals in my life, be it travelling or attempting difficult routes, but you have to make a clear distinction here: by difficult routes I mean what is still possible with my handicap. I used to climb in the upper 10th degree of difficulty, which is no longer possible with a disability of 90%. Although despite everything, I love to get everything out of my body.

Can you tell us about any special equipment or technology that has been particularly beneficial for you in climbing?

I think any equipment helps me when climbing, but because of my stoma artificial outlet I wear a special bandage with a protector, which protects my artificial outlet, but is still a great hindrance, as the protector means that the climbing harness always slips down, especially when I'm leading.

What has been your most memorable climbing experience so far, and why does it stand out to you?

There are many, but about 40 years ago I had an experience in the Verdon Gorge. I wanted to train my morale for America, it wasn't a difficult climbing route, in the 7b grade, I only hung an intermediate belay at 40 metres, I was about 15 metres above the last bolt when my left arm suddenly went numb, I couldn't do anything about it, a fall would have ended fatally, I would have hit a ledge. I was hanging by one arm for about 20 minutes, in the end I called for help, an Englishman rushed to my aid. This experience will always remain in my memory. Since then I have never climbed a route without a rope.

What is your favourite rope from Tendon and why?

I climb on rocks with the Tendon Master PRO 8.9. I think the rope is just great, it's very easy to handle and due to the low weight and rope diameter you hardly feel it when climbing. In the climbing hall I use the Master PRO 9.2, which is slightly thicker and better for the hall. Both ropes convince me with their special quality and handling.