Tomorrow, May 15th, 2025 it will be one year that Ottobock introduced its newest model of micro-processor knees to the market: The Genium X4. And right from its launch during the OT World in Leipzig, I had the chance to use the knee day in, day out. So it's time to lean back and look back at what the knee and I have done together. And then it will be time to look ahead and see what's coming up next. And let me tell you - spoiler alert - in both cases it has been a lot.

I first had the chance to use the Genium X4 - although only for about a day and a half - way before the official launch. Back in January 2024, I was invited to Innsbruck in the Austrian Alps for filming one of the portraits for the official launch campaign. 36 hours of hiking in the mountains, enjoying the sunrise on one of the summits, crossing deep snow fields, having a go at a local climbing wall and just having a good time while capturing the pictures and video material we needed for the product launch.

Then came May 2024. And with it the OT World, the world's biggest trade fair for the prosthetic sector in Leipzig/Germany. The Genium X4 was finally introduced into the market. The interest in the new product was immense. And the OT World offered an amazing framework to introduce this new top-end micro-processor knee to a wide audience. And from then onwards, I have been using the knee as my day-to-day prosthesis. In combination with the Freedom Innovations Maverick XT fiberglas foot; the very foot I also used with my Genium X3.

In early summer, Fritz and I went out to the Eifel for an exploratory hike for one of the walking events we regularly offer for people with amputations. This was a great opportunity for a direct comparison of the X3 and the X4 under real-life conditions. Here is more about testing the Genium X4.

With a couple of successful outdoor activities under my belt, I felt well prepared to up the game and put the Genium X4 to the challenge in  a more demanding environment. So in July/August 2024, it was time for two weeks of adventures in the Spanish Pyrenees. Mountain hikes with very steep descents when it's close to 40 degrees in the shade. Extended walks through river gorges with constantly alternating conditions; i.e. on dry ground and over good access roads mixed with rough, narrow, and often exposed paths along the cliffs, then wading through knee-deep water before continuing on wet and slippery stone ledges above the river bed. And to top it all, a six hour canyoning adventure that started with a 65 meter abseil into the canyon. Once the first 20 meters of descent were done, there was no way back anymore. The only way out of the canyon was by following the river - with all its cliff jumps, swimming sections, passages over huge boulders, and diving through under-water rock-pools - to the only exit point at the end of the canyon. Here is more about my canyoning adventure.

In early October, I added a three day fundraiser for the Range of Motion Project to my calendar. My very own triathlon, consisting of a day of indoor climbing, a day of kayaking, and a day of walking. All that to raise money for ROMP and its incredible work in several countries of Latin America. Here is more about the ROMP fundraiser.

And then, the 2024 outdoor adventure season came slowly to an end with three multi-day hikes in the Eifel. A three day hiking and camping tour with a good friend of mine back from my university days. And last but not least another three day self-supported hikle as part of an Instagram takeover for Ottobock.

So, looking back at the second half of 2024 and the first five months of 2025, yes, it's been an active year for me and the X4. And that's why were are celebrating the knee's first anniversary. And for that we would like to invite you to join us during the live talk on May 15th.

Here is the link to the Youtube Live Talk.

When I look at my calendar for the next couple of months, there are plenty of exciting events lined up over the next couple of weeks and months.

First and foremost, there is the official celebration of the launch of the Genium X4. Later today, I will set off to Duderstadt, the headquarters of Ottobock, as we have planned a Youtube live talk for May 15th, 2025 from 5:00-6:00 pm CEST. I will be hosting the show. And with me in the studio will be a group of amazing guests; i.e. other X4 users as well as people from Ottobock's research and development team. In addition, Desirée Vila Bargiela, a Paralympian from Spain, will be joining us from via video. It would be great to see you there. So please join us. Here is the link to the Ottobock live talk. https://www.youtube.com/live/VE6DkehJhj8?si=xnXOxQxthMZ71qwq

But there is more.

In the middle of May, Jan Lentes, his team and I are planning a climbing taster session for people affected by limb loss and limb differences. This will be a pilot event to gauge interest and explore what a great climbing day should look like. If what we are offering resonates with people, we will offer more of these events in the future.

In the last week of May, I will finally make one of my life long wishes come. My dad was in the army in an airborne unit. And one of my earliest childhood memories is watching people jumping out of aeroplanes and helicopters. As a result, I always wanted to become a paratrooper. Bone cancer and my endocrinologist-prosthesis made this dream bellyflop when I was fifteen. Fast forward almost forty years. In late May, I will be joining others for the next ParaTAKEOFF event in Fehrbellin and finally do my first tandem jump. I can't wait for it.

In June, yet another amazing event is scheduled. The annual Amp-Surfcamp organized by Thomas Frey and his team will open this year's summer season. Thomas and his crew manage year in, year out to organize an amazing event, drawing in amputees and their families from all over the country as well as representatives from the orthopedic industry for a day of fun and socializing. To learn more about Thomas and the Amp-Surfcamp, just listen to the last podcast episode.

Later in the summer, another multi-day hike here in the area where I live as well as another multi-day canoe trip with the family (most likely in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Germany's north-eastern parts of the country) are planned.

And then, in October, we will spend our annual holidays in Franc'e Ardèche region. A wild place with great hiking, rough mountains, beautiful villages, a river for swimming and canoeing, and plenty of good food. 

Just sitting here and writing down what is already planned for this year gives me itchy feet and I feel like packing all my gear into the car and heading off right away. Great. I will keep you posted.