From the ambitious Ironman dream to the founding of Summits4Hope: what began as a personal sporting challenge has developed into a mission with a global impact. Gilbert Fisch combines adventure and endurance sports with social commitment and creates real prospects through sustainable projects – from educational opportunities in Kenya to WASH initiatives in Mozambique. Find out here how sporting challenges and a sense of community mobilise people to do good and what exciting projects are coming up in 2025!
What inspired you to found Summits4Hope? Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked it?
In 2012, at the age of 55, I had an ambitious dream: to become the Ironman World Champion in my age group by 60. Right after the Ironman Hawaii, this goal was firmly anchored in my mind. I had the time and resources to pursue it professionally. But, as is often the case in life, things turned out differently. In my case, it turned everything upside down.
After a successful career that allowed me to retire early at 48, I had never truly tested my limits. In 2014, my boundless ambition caught up with me: I blindly trained myself into burnout, ignoring my body’s warning signs. Suddenly, I had to give up all ambitions. Worse still, I realized that I had begun to define myself solely through athletic achievements.
Amid my personal crisis, my worldview shifted. The universe confronted me with the darker sides of our world: environmental disasters, hunger, refugee crises, the exploitation of people and nature. From this mix of anger and helplessness, a strong desire and new drive emerged: I had to do something!
That was the spark that ignited the fire for Summits4Hope.
Your project combines adventure with social commitment. Why is sport, especially endurance sports, so well-suited to raising funds and awareness for charitable causes?
Endurance athletes want to write and share personal stories. They seek challenges that create unforgettable personal and communal experiences. Especially in today’s world, after the pandemic, community is more important than ever. It’s no longer primarily about race numbers but about the feeling of being part of something bigger.
Overcoming a sporting challenge radiates within the community and generates admiration. It’s not about times or rankings but about respect for perseverance.
When a social cause is added to the mix, this admiration multiplies. The combination of personal challenge and social engagement creates a strong connection and motivates people to get involved for a good cause.
You’ve participated in demanding sporting events yourself. Which athletic challenge influenced you the most?
My athletic journey was anything but a straight path. In the beginning, I was a “softie,” as they say. When things got tough, I often looked for the easy way out. I remember a middle-distance triathlon where I was in second place but gave up just because I stumbled and scraped my knee. Or my first Ironman Hawaii in 2009, where I dropped out after just 4 km of the marathon due to a pressure point on my foot.
However, these early experiences were turning points. They forced me to decide: Do I keep looking for excuses, or do I learn to push through? I realized that my mind was the problem, not my body. So, I started working on my mental strength. I learned to embrace challenges by gradually stepping out of my comfort zone. There wasn’t one defining moment, but rather many small victories that showed me I could grow beyond my limits.
The TORTOUR Ultracycling is one of the toughest cycling races in Switzerland. Why is this event the right fit for raising donations?
With RIDE4KIDS – NEVER RIDE ALONE, we participate in TORTOUR MYSELF, the format that perfectly aligns with our goals. Here, cyclists of all skill levels can define their own challenge and become part of the team. Whether it’s two or ten laps—every single contribution counts. What unites us is the joy of the challenge and the feeling of being part of a bigger movement. At TORTOUR MYSELF, we don’t start a race but create a shared experience for a good cause.
Many charity projects focus on short-term fundraising. How does Summits4Hope ensure that its support creates long-lasting change?
That’s a crucial point. At Summits4Hope, we focus on sustainable solutions. We exclusively invest in projects that bring about long-term change. Education is a central pillar of our work: We provide access to schooling and support children all the way to graduation. Our WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) projects ensure lasting access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene.
A great example is our partnership with WASSER FÜR WASSER. Together, we are building a training center for sanitation professionals, who will, in turn, maintain the infrastructure we have improved on-site. This approach provides not only immediate relief but also long-term perspectives.
What challenges have you faced as a founder? Were there moments when you doubted your mission?
Summits4Hope is a small but mighty foundation. To make it tangible: We currently provide access to education for 300 children in Kenya and have implemented WASH projects for 13,000 children at nine schools in Mozambique. Considering the global challenges, this may seem like a drop in the ocean, but for each individual child, it represents a way out of poverty and a completely new perspective. This transformation is our greatest motivation.
Our biggest challenge is the annual search for participants for our events. Convincing people of the importance of peer-to-peer fundraising is not always easy. Despite our extensive support and proven tools, many hesitate to take the step. We have plenty of ideas for events, but we need the people who bring our projects to life.
What are the next big milestones for Summits4Hope? Are there any new projects or partnerships you’re particularly excited about?
Our partnerships with TORTOUR and Alpenbrevet are established relationships that we will continue to deepen. At the same time, we are working on making participation in our projects even more appealing.
A special highlight is RIDE4KIDS 2025 – TEAM 124. We have created a platform for passionate road cyclists who love mountain passes. Similar to the Alpenbrevet Extended, participants can collect all 124 rideable mountain passes in Switzerland between March and October 2025 and secure a spot in our Hall of Fame. The project includes helpful planning tools, goodies, and group rides.
To support our WASH projects in Mozambique, we charge a participation fee of 124 CHF, which is fully donated to these projects.
Thank you very much, Gilbert! We’re thrilled to have you on board again and wish you continued success in all your endeavors!
