Mayan Smith-Gobat

Mayan Smith Gobat is another unsung New Zealand female superstar.

There would be very few who actually know who she is let alone know that she is a Kiwi, born in Christchurch. When writing this introduction I thought I would make reference to her achievements, but they are far too many to list here. Her number of first attempts and speed records would fill this full feature. Sponsored by Ems Power Cookies, La Sportiva and Wild Country, it's best to simply say Mayan is a phenomenal climber male or female and has been at the very forefront of the sport for years. We managed to catch with her between adventures.

How would people close to you describe you?

Driven, focused to the point of being oblivious to much else that is happening. Though working on being more relaxed and easy-going.

You’ve made the fastest free female ascent of El cap, what does that achievement mean to you?

I am proud that with Libby I was able to bring the female speed record down to a respectable time, however the achievement itself is not one that means the most to me.

What is your biggest motivation for climbing?

Currently, I enjoy the challenge it provides (both mental and physical). I love the felling of moving efficiently up an improbable rock face and the exposure... But for a long time, I believe these feelings were mixed with a lot of ego and a need to prove myself to the world.