Who is Sasha DiGiulian's husband? World champion climber opens up about injuries that led to 5 surgeries in 9 months
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sasha Renata DiGiulian, the world champion rock climber, has not only conquered some of the most challenging ascents around the globe but has also navigated the peaks and valleys of her personal life.
Recently married to Erik Hartel Osterholm, Sasha has shared her story of love, career-threatening injuries, and the resilience that led her to overcome five surgeries in nine months.
In late 2017, during the filming of a Red Bull-sponsored docuseries on Mount Washington, Sasha met fellow climber Mark Synnott and director Erik Hartel Osterholm, according to nytimes.
Little did they know that their professional collaboration would later blossom into a romantic relationship.
Sasha and Erik's extraordinary love journey
After a chance meeting in New Hampshire, Sasha and Erik's connection grew stronger during a three-hour drive from Jackson, New Hampshire, to Boston Logan International Airport.
Despite both being in relationships at the time, Sasha and Erik's paths crossed again in April 2018 in Manhattan.
However, it wasn't until July 11, 2018, in Bozeman, Montana, that their romantic journey truly began.
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Both newly single, they discovered a spark during a night out at Plonk wine bar. From there, their relationship developed, leading to their first official date in Boulder on August 24, 2018.
As their love story unfolded, Erik Osterholm moved to Boulder in May 2019, eventually sharing a house with Sasha.
The couple later moved to a new home in September 2019 and expanded their family with two cats, Pixie and Twix, and a bernedoodle named MooseChaga.
Sasha's journey from diagnosis to resilience
In early 2020, Sasha faced a significant challenge when diagnosed with hip dysplasia, a condition that could potentially end her climbing career.
The following year brought five surgeries in nine months, including a double hip reconstructive procedure.
Throughout the intense recovery process, Erik became Sasha's steadfast caregiver, navigating hospital visits, physical therapy, and the unexpected addition of a puppy to their lives.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of the surgeries, Sasha views the experience as transformative.
The time away from climbing provided her with a newfound appreciation for her body and a stronger sense of purpose. Her injuries became a catalyst for personal growth, pushing her to redefine her goals and prioritize self-care.
Sasha's memoir unveils the depths of triumph and struggle
Sasha's memoir, 'Take The Lead: Hanging On, Letting Go and Conquering Life’s Hardest Climbs', released on September 26, chronicles her journey through triumphs and setbacks.
In the midst of her recovery, Sasha also found solace in writing, using it as an outlet to process her emotions and reflect on her climbing career.
Now, at 31, Sasha is back on the climbing scene, ready to face new challenges. She acknowledges that the injuries have brought about stylistic changes to her climbing but sees them as part of her regrowth and rebuilding process.
As she continues to inspire others with her resilience, Sasha looks forward to future chapters that include her role as the CEO of Send Bars, her advocacy for the environment, and the possibility of juggling motherhood with her climbing career.
Sasha and Erik's love story reached new heights when they tied the knot on September 2 at the Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colo. Surrounded by 165 guests, including family and friends, they embarked on a new adventure together.
The couple's engagement, marked by a proposal on the Lion’s Lair trail in Boulder, exemplifies their unique and adventurous journey. With the ring box accidentally closed, Erik's unconventional proposal became a memorable moment in their love story.