A 36-year-old former soldier from Nepal named Nirmal Purja has broken a world record after climbing the world’s 14 highest mountains in just over six months. On Oct. 29, he reached the 8,027-m-high summit of Tibet’s Shishapangma Mountain, completing his goal. The previous record was held by Kim Chang-ho, who took more than seven years to climb all 14 mountains. Only 40 climbers have completed this feat. Purja’s feat is part of his “Project Possible” campaign, which he completed in 189 days. He finished his first task by climbing the 8,091-m Mount Annapurna I, the world’s 10th highest mountain, on Apr. 23. In a statement, Purja wrote, “I believed in this project and I made sure to surround myself with people who believed in it, too. This was never just about me, which is the reason I’ve been able to overcome some huge obstacles on this journey. By achieving this goal, I knew I could inspire people from all generations across the world.” Nick English, cofounder of British watchmaker Bremont, sponsored Purja’s project. He first met Purja through their military connections. English said, “Nirmal is a total inspiration and it goes without saying that what he has achieved is utterly remarkable.”
Chris Hong Copy Editor
1. What did Purja accomplish?
2. Who held the previous record and how long did it take him to do it?
3. Who is Nick English?
1. What do you think about his accomplishment?
2. Have you ever heard of these mountains?
3. Would you ever like to climb the highest mountains?
4. What do you think about Purja's statement?
A 36-year-old former soldier from Nepal named Nirmal Purja has broken a world record after climbing the world’s 14 highest mountains in just over six months. On Oct. 29, he reached the 8,027-m-high summit of Tibet’s Shishapangma Mountain, completing his goal. The previous record was held by Kim Chang-ho, who took more than seven years to climb all 14 mountains. Only 40 climbers have completed this feat.
