Frank Bruno

Adventure

At the age of 10, Frank left school to follow his parents filming the oceans. The school of life forges another future for him. At 18, he anticipates the military call-up and volunteers to go to fight in Lebanon, unfortunately, he was injured, causing him to lose a leg. However, this did not hinder him in the slightest, he came back with much stronger and richer experiences.

Three years after this tragedy, he graduated as valedictorian in France from the School of professional scuba divers and scuba diving instructors.

He then decided to embark on travels for several years. A wreck researcher, his journey makes him discover true ancient wonders. But much more than amphorae or gold coins, he understands that the greatest treasure is sharing.

This is the first time that he has been able to share the treasure.

In 2003, he then launched the association Bout de vie, which allows young amputees to be invited to join him for free on his trips to the ends of the earth. For him, for others, he carries out great challenges, and extraordinary adventures.

Frank currently resides in Corsica where he is recognized as a survival specialist.

Key Achievements

2005-2006: Rowed across the Atlantic in 54 days, 3rd out of 26 able-bodied
2006: Walked up to the North Pole with Russian military
Crossing the Greenland polar cap from East to West with Nicolas Dubreuil dragging a 120 kilo pulka over 540km in 34 days
Descending the Yukon River in a kayak alone and without assistance, 3500km face to face
Ascension of Kilimanjaro, Cerro Pissis (highest volcano in the world), Mont Blanc and many others

Future Projects

Climbing the Perserajuk massif in Kangersunneq Bay, Greenland with young amputees. An unprecedented and very committed expedition. We will have no assistance and it will require long days of walking. Already tested on several events, these young people are very strong mentally and it will be a hell of a revenge on life.

Interview with Frank

3 words that define you as an athlete?

Enduring. Stubborn. Combative.

3 values that fit you as a person?

The "Cabochard" style, sharing and loyalty.

Why do you feel you belong to the Cimalp family?

I was born in 1964 like Cimalp, I think it's a sign! Before I represented big companies but the human exchanges were deplorable. Now I feel like I belong.

Your best and worst memories in the mountains and why?

The best: on my 40th birthday, December 31 at 6:10 am, I reached the roof of Africa, Huru Peak (Kilimanjaro). Nobody believed in me and yet...

The worst: in the middle of the Southwest Face of Cerro Pissis beyond 6500m of altitude, I decided to turn back. The wind made the climb suicidal. I had formed a 16-person rope team and during our acclimatization, no other team had come to the base camp, we were alone in the world. However, a duo from Buenos Aires joined us. That day I met Juan, who was stubbornly trying to reach the summit. Between two gusts of wind, I tried to dissuade him. He shouted at me that he was an "Andeanist" and that he knew his mountains like no other. He never came back from the summit... In his memory, we made a huge cairn, at this place where nobody ever passes.

What do mountains inspire you?

Freedom, especially when they are in Arctic country.

What is your relationship to the environment and ecology?

I live in a stone and wood house that I built with my own hands. No city water, no TV, no neighbors. We are nature and our only duty is to adapt to it. Everything else is just literature.

Another great passion/talent than sports?

Writing: already 3 books, the last one is out in paperback. A fourth one is in the middle of proofreading.