Sterling Athletes Team

Mike Libecki

Name:
Mike J. Libecki
 
How did you get started climbing?
I went climbing with a random friend in Yosemite when I was 18, I happy to admit, that is when my only addiction in life started, and it has only grown, no therapy or rehab needed.
 
How old were you when you started?
18
 
Who or what inspired you to start climbing?
Mathematics.  Throughout school, from elementary school to college, I have just connected with math.  I started competing in speed math in second grade.
My learned climbing on cracks, trad climbing. Every time I get in the vertical world, it is a new equation filled with thousands of variables how to get to the top and doing it without injury or death.
 
Who served as your inspiration in life?
My daughter Lilliana.
 
What was your first outdoor climb?
Used metal stakes at the top of a cliff with webbing tied in double-over hand knots, threw a rope over the edge, rapped down and top-roped the mud pile.
Yeah, lucky we did not die there.
 
What do you do when you're not climbing?
Being a full time, stay at home dad, photography, videography, writing, public speaking, editing always trying to be the best I can be with all of the above, running with my dogs a lot, cooking, and absolutely loving life every single moment. Oh yes, and always asking the question, "Why Ration Passion?"
 
Any training advice or suggestions?
Belief. Dream big and climb those dreams. Why ration passion.  Pursue Passion.  Death and/or old age is coming, we must live sweet.  The time is now.  It is not only life, but the quality of this life.
 
What do you feel is your best accomplishment, outside of climbing?
My beautiful, healthy, happy, amazing miracle of life: My daughter.
 
What do you feel is your best accomplishment within climbing?
My SOLO expeditions and first ascents in Antarctica, Baffin Island, China, Greenland, Papua New Guinea, and Russia.  As well as expeditions with partners to many other places like Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar and Venezuela as well as the places above with partners, but the SOLO trips demanded more than I knew I had.
 
Favorite quote?
That which does not kill us, only makes us stronger - Nietzsche
 
If you could have 1 superpower what would it be?
Be able to command peace and produce food for all.
 
If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be? (no wishing for more wishes)
Peace, Food, and Good Health for all humans.
 
What was your favorite childhood cartoon?
Super Friends: Green Lantern was a bad ass.
 
Shameless self-promotion 
MikeLibecki.com