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21st Century Adventurer Award

With this award, we celebrate the most inspiring adventurers of our time, and you help decide which nominee wins!

DEFENDER and EOFT proudly present the 2024 award winner

Nasim Eshqi

Climber and Human rights activist

The Iranian sports scientist has ascended to the highest ranks of the world's top female athletes and has opened more than 80 new climbing routes worldwide. This was more than a fight against gravity. She has become a champion for women's rights.

The award was presented to Nasim Eshqi on June 4, 2024 at the Outdoor by ISPO trade fair. She gave a presentation and answered questions from both the press and the public.

That's what the jury says:

"I give my voice [...] to the Iranian Nasim Eshqi, who, by positioning herself as a climbing woman from Iran, has found a way to encourage oppressed women all over the world through sport. Leaving home behind, a return impossible... This requires indescribable courage in a time marked by crises and wars, when human dignity should be paramount. For me, Nasim embodies a contemporary successful top athlete, with heart and a lot of soul."

— Ines Papert, jury member of the 21st Century Adventurer Award 2024

„Nasim Eshqi is not just an athlete; she is a pioneer in the world of climbing, having opened more than 80 climbing routes. Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible is matched only by her commitment to using her platform to advocate for gender equality and human rights. In a sport and society where female athletes often face significant barriers, Nasim has risen as one of the world's leading female climbers, inspiring countless others with her courage and perseverance.

Her achievements extend far beyond the sheer number of routes she has opened. They are a testament to her innovative spirit, her unwavering determination, and her profound impact on the climbing community and beyond. Nasim's story is one of overcoming adversity, challenging the status quo, and inspiring a new generation of adventurers.“

— Mathis Dumas, jury member of the 21st Century Adventurer Award 2024

"‘I never wanted to be famous, I just wanted to climb to have that feeling of freedom that was missing from my life’.
This sentence could be the meaning and motivation of many great climbers and adventurers, but in Nasim Eshqi's case it is also a dramatic example of personal fate and a social struggle for freedom at the same time. As an Iranian, she defies the mullah regime with her unwavering commitment to human rights and equality for women. And as a climber, she continues to show new ways and facets in a sport discipline that is still very much dominated by men.

She is a fascinating adventurer who is constantly seeking the freedom of her own path in life through climbing and is therefore an encouraging role model for millions of young women, not only in Iran. Truly a very special heroine in the circle of 21st Century Adventurer Award winners!"

— Thomas Witt, jury member of the 21st Century Adventurer Award 2024

The new nominees for the 2025 award

All winners of the 21st Century Adventurer Award

Winner 2024

Nasim Eshqi

Climber and Human rights activist
The Iranian sports scientist has ascended to the highest ranks of the world's top female athletes and has opened more than 80 new climbing routes worldwide. This was more than a fight against gravity. She has become a champion for women's rights.

Watch nominee clip of Nasim

Winner 2023

Jonas Deichmann

Endurance athlete & cycling adventurer
From manager to adventurer: a few years ago, Jonas swapped his office chair for a bicycle saddle and crossed Europe and South America, among other places, on his bike. Most recently, he set a new world record in the disciplines of swimming, cycling and running. In his triathlon around the world, he covered the distance of 120 Ironman.

He receives the 21st Century Adventurer Award 2023.

Watch nominee clip of Jonas

Winner 2021

Renan Ozturk

Filmmaker & alpinist
Starting out as a climber, Renan Ozturk found his true calling when he first picked up a camera.
Since then, the photographer and filmmaker has documented stories in the most remote corners of the world for award-winning films.

He will receive the 21st Century Adventurer Award 2021 for his work.

Watch nominee clip of Renan

Winner 2019

Sarah McNair-Landry

Adventurer & Master Polar Guide
The Canadian polar explorer was chosen by the jury to win the first ever 21st Century Adventurer Award.
Sarah grew up with the Arctic Ocean and a team of dogs in her backyard. She is the youngest person to travel to both the North and South Pole, traverse the Greenland Ice Cap five times, venture into the Gobi Desert, guide an expedition to both the South and North Pole, and more recently kite ski 3,300 km retracing the Northwest Passage.

Being the winner of the 21st Century Adventurer Award 2019, Sarah was part of the E.O.F.T. 19/20 with the film "Freedom to Roam".

Watch nominee clip of Sarah

Gallery of adventurers

Gallery of all nominees and winners of the 21st Century Adventurer Award.

To the gallery

About the award

With this award, we celebrate the most inspiring adventurers of our time!

In the saddle of a touring bike, clicked into backcountry skis, or sending a line up a rock face—the nominees of this year's award find their own way into adventure. They confront physical and mental challenges and experience unforgettable moments. Whether setting new records on a bike, on foot, or in the water, these adventurers of the 21st century are characterized by their curiosity, their courage, and their gift for sharing their unique journeys with us. These touching stories inspire us to seek and find our own adventures!

The 21st Century Adventurer Award comes with a prize of 20,000 euros, which can be used to fund the next expedition.

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Above and Beyond

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