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’01
The year Erik Weihenmayer became the first blind person to conquer the tallest mountain in the world.
Led by his close friends, and roped, Erik jumps crevasses to reach the summit.
When asked about this feat, he said, “I was confident I could do as well as anyone who goes to that mountain. And I knew I could turn back gracefully if necessary.”
Just 5 years before this achievement, 15 climbers died in a storm that trapped 3 groups near the summit. It was Everest worst death toll for a single year.
Despite the tragedy and being criticized as a potential liability for his team, Erik said:
“… I refused to be the weak link of the team. I wanted them to put their lives in my hands as I would put mine in theirs. I would carry my share. I would contribute as any other team member. I would not be carried up to the mountain and spiked on top like a football. If I were to reach the summit, I would reach it with dignity.”
Nicknamed Super Blind or Blindenheimer by close friends, this ex school teacher is not only the first blind person to summit Mount Everest but also one of only about 100 people to successfully summit the highest peaks of the world’s seven continents.
In 2004, Erik and Everest team members went to Tibet to train blind students on a climb to the Rombuk Glacier on the north side of Mt. Everest.
In a country that believes that blindness is a sign that evil spirits are present – Erik challenge the local superstitions.
Erik said, “These were blind kids who were told they had evil spirits inside them, kids who were tied to beds in dark rooms, kids who were sold in and out of slavery.”
Once treated like lepers, the pupils of Sabriye Tenberken (also blind) ultimately stood together at 21,500-feet – higher than any other team of blind people in history.
When he’s not climbing or at home with his wife, Ellie and daughter, Emma, Erik is usually at a speaking engagement. He still climbs approximately 50 days a year.
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Friday Facts : Be Inspired | AbangAbu Blog | Financial and Motivational Advice (December 25th, 2009 at 12:21 am)
[...] 2004, Erik and Everest team members went to Tibet to train blind students on a climb to the Rombuk Glacier on the north side of Mt. [...]
Formidable….An epic example of when your attitude determines your altitude.
I am very inspired and encouraged to move forward towards my quest of attaining the heights that Erik has.
Congratulations…..Ravi Lai
I think he is the person with great will power and strength, I have just seen the movie and realised that if you have the strength you can really do impossible to I m possible. Thank you for providding the world with a hero, a real true hero, better than any superman and spiderman. : )
Ravi, Ginny,
I wrote the post after reading a book on Everest’s worst death toll. I learned that conquering Everest is an almost suicidal journey ..
So when a blind man can reach the summit, I was stumped.
What he did was unthinkable.
I’m looking for more heroes like this to post in this site.
Any suggestions?
Simply …Great…
We as individuals always confront ourselve with small and pitty issues..things which can be dealt with great ease. Look at this man..it shows a dream..a desire…a wish …can be fulfilled it you think you can…
its just about believing yourself…
Gr8 MAN…u r awesome in a single word..
u have shown to us that if we think we can…
U hv same weakness in U ..bt instead of tht u conquer the Impossible..
really u r living example for US…
keep going..
we are all with U…
This world needs more people like Erik.
Great work Erik, you are showing everyone that nothing can hold us back if we put our mind to it ! I like your website too, http://www.touchthetop.com and read your book !
Inspirational story, it only shows that lost of sight is not a hindrance of reaching your goals in life.