Kathmandu — Everest’s summit season got off to a frantic start on Monday with at least 30 climbers reaching the peak, including a Chinese double amputee and an Australian who set a world record. Xia Boyu, a 69-year-old hit by frostbite on Everest more than four decades ago, and Steve Plain, who was nearly paralysed by an accident four years ago, were among the first to summit the world’s highest mountain. Australian Plain became the fastest climber to scale the highest peaks in seven continents, taking 117 days for a feat popularly called the Seven Summits, after he scaled Mount Everest early on Monday, his expedition company in Nepal said. Plain, 36, from Albury, Australia, reached the 8,850m peak after climbing more than seven hours from the final camp, at the 8,000m South Col, to claim the record. "He has set the record of climbing Seven Summits in the shortest time of 117 days," said Ishwari Paudel, an official of the Himalayan Guides hiking company that handled logistics for th...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.