British climber Kenton Cool has climbed Mount Everest for the 19th time, establishing a new record for non-Sherpa climbers. This recent climb further solidifies his reputation as one of the world’s most successful high-altitude guides.
Iswari Paudel of Himalayan Guides Nepal, the expedition managing company, confirmed that the 51-year-old mountaineer from southwest England arrived at the 8,849-meter peak on Sunday. “He was in good condition and descending from the summit,” Paudel said to the Associated Press.
Cool first climbed Everest in 2004 and has gone back almost annually since then. He missed the 2014 climb when the season was cancelled after an avalanche killed 16 Sherpa guides. He skipped the 2015 climb after an earthquake caused another fatal avalanche that claimed 19 lives. In 2020, a season-long cancellation was mandated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In spite of these interruptions, Cool has never wavered in his commitment to mountaineering. His record is only surpassed by Nepali Sherpa climbers, who have long dominated Everest summits.
The current record for most Everest climbs is 30, which is currently held by Nepali Sherpa guide Kami Rita. He is also on the mountain this year and will soon attempt another summit.
The spring window for climbing attracts hundreds of climbers who wish to access the summit before the onset of monsoon. Climatic conditions after May become much worse, with snow, rain, and violent winds that make any attempts much more dangerous.
Kenton Cool’s achievement is still an inspiration to climbers all over the world, not just due to the numbers, but due to his perseverance and enthusiasm for the mountains.
