Didier Berthod
Didier Berthod is a Swiss rock climber who has been featured in many climbing films, notably First Ascent. He specializes in traditional crack climbing and has climbed many lines of this style.
First Ascent follows Didier's efforts to make the first ascent of Cobra Crack in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. It also documents his climbs in Europe and his frugal lifestyle such as working in a hostel between attempts.
On 14 December 2003, Didier free-climbed Greenspit (8b+ or 5.14-) located in the Orco Valley in Italy, which is considered to be one of the hardest traditional crack climbs in the world.
Presently, Didier has ceased climbing. Following his injury documented in First Ascent, his faith in Christianity re-ignited. He is currently practicing his Christian faith full-time in the Eucharistein Fraternity, Switzerland.
On May 16, 2011 a Facebook Fanpage was set up to pay respect to Didier's climbing ability and currently has over 350 likes.
Sources
- http://www.freakclimbing.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=762
- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139585/