WEB DESK: Kenton Cool, a renowned British mountain guide from south-west England, has achieved a historic milestone by ascending Mount Everest for the 19th time, breaking his own record for the most climbs of the world’s highest peak by a non-Sherpa guide.
The 51-year-old climber reached the summit on Sunday local time, accompanied by several fellow climbers.
This latest ascent underscores Cool’s enduring dedication to Everest, a mountain he first summited in 2004. Since then, he has consistently attempted to conquer the peak, with only a few seasons missed due to various circumstances.
Notably, he was unable to climb in 2014 following the tragic avalanche that claimed the lives of 16 Sherpa guides, and in 2015 after a devastating earthquake triggered another deadly avalanche. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to the cancellation of the 2020 climbing season.
During his current expedition, Cool was reported to be in good condition and descending from the summit, according to Iswari Paudel of Himalayan Guides Nepal.
His achievement is part of the broader spring climbing season, which attracts hundreds of climbers and guides eager to reach the summit before the season concludes at month’s end.
While Cool’s record is impressive, it is soon to be surpassed by Nepali Sherpa guide Kami Rita, who has climbed Everest an astonishing 30 times and is currently on the mountain, expected to make his next ascent shortly.
