British Climber Breaks Everest Record

In a remarkable display of endurance and skill, British mountain guide Kenton Cool has ascended Mount Everest for the 19th time, surpassing his own record for the most climbs by a non-Sherpa guide. Cool, a 51-year-old from southwest England, reached the summit of the world's highest peak, standing at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet), on a recent Sunday.

Cool's mountaineering journey on Everest began in 2004, and he has consistently returned to the challenge almost annually since then. However, his pursuit has not been without interruptions. The 2014 season was abruptly halted following a tragic avalanche that claimed the lives of 16 Sherpa guides. The following year, a devastating earthquake triggered another avalanche, resulting in 19 fatalities and leading to another season cancellation. More recently, the global COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of the 2020 climbing season.

Despite these setbacks, Cool's achievement is a testament to his perseverance and expertise. It's worth noting, however, that while Cool holds the record for non-Sherpa climbers, Nepali Sherpa guides still dominate the overall ascent records. The current record holder, Kami Rita, has scaled Everest an astounding 30 times and is presently on the mountain, poised for another potential climb.