George Atkinson at the ripe old age of 16 has become the youngest person to ever complete the 7 summits. It has taken him 5 years and he is currently making his was back from Everest just now. His success does come in the wake of John Delany death on Everest. I am sure his mum will be glad when he is off the mountains and home. I wonder if he will continue climbing now his challenge is over?
I agree, with enough money behind you there is not much people aren't capable of doing now now. Especially with fixed ropes, guides and Sherpas at hand.
With the amount of tourists going up everst with money to throw away I reckon they should put a cable car up there and a hyperbaric bar just below the top serving real capuccino and croissants and little gold plated medallions with 'I conquered everest' on for those managing to walk the 50 paces to the top and bigger medallions with 'I trashed Everst' on for those managing to climb it from the bottom. Everest is a bit like formula 1 or motorcycle racing I reckon, it's only really interesting when there's a death, a scandal or an impossible record set for the rest it's just a bunch of people panting up a big hill. Not exactly exciting. I wonder if the kid brought his rubbish down with him from his 7 summits?
I teach 18-22 year olds, and the majority of them would simply not have the determination and grit to do 1/7th of what he's done. I know that money is a big reason the lad's been able to do it, but it's not just money, and you can't just be dragged up all those peaks.
As someone who lives in a place where the yooves burn, smash or graffiti anything they can get their hands on, and spend weekends drinking, it's nice to see a youngster do something positive.
Yea, it's obviously taken a lot of money to put him in those situations but so what, money doesn't get your bum to the top.
If I had the dosh and my kids had trained and wanted to do it, then I'd pay to put them in that position... they would have to prove their worth first though!
A couple of friends saved up and did a subsidiary peak of Everest last year. Although they said it was easy grade 1 or 2 winter climbing, the effects of altitude were like climbing drunk with a plastic bag over your mouth. Not exactly exciting, not exactly easy either!
