Ueli Steck und Simon Anthamatten honoured with
the „Prix Courage 2008“

We are happy to inform you, that Ueli Steck and Simon Anthamatten were honoured last Friday night with the „Prix Courage 2008“.

Ueli Steck and Simon Anthamatten such as six other candidates were nominated by the editors of the Swiss magazine „Beobachter“ for the „Prix Courage 2008”.
The jury under the direction of writer Franz Hohler gave away the Jury Prize to Ueli Steck and Simon Anthamatten. In May of this year the two climbers hurried up to help two comrades in distress at the Annapurna massif in Nepal at 7,400 meters above sea level. The Rumanian survived thanks to the intervention of the two. For the Spaniard unfortunately all help came too late. In presence of Ueli Steck, he died in the icy heights. In his honorific speech Franz Hohler tributes the Swiss alpinists of their selfless rescue operation.  Exposed by a big risk, they did not hesitate to question their own survival in order to act not only courageously, but fearless unto death. They had dropped their original, big goal, to climb Annapurna Southface to help the two comrades.

Since 1997 the magazine “Beobachter” will set a signal with the Prix Courage, that courageous acting and courage for one’s convictions is worthwhile.

Laudatio by Franz Hohler (PDF 33KB)