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British Mountaineer Kenton Cool Sets New Everest Record
Kenton Cool, 51, has summited Mount Everest for a record-breaking 19th time, solidifying his position as the most prolific non-Sherpa climber of the world’s highest peak. Cool, hailing from southwest England, reached the 29,032-foot summit on Sunday alongside several other climbers. Reports from Himalayan Guides Nepal, the expedition outfitters, confirm Cool’s successful ascent and descent.
This remarkable achievement adds another chapter to Cool’s impressive Everest history, which began with his first summit in 2004. He has consistently returned to the mountain almost annually, with only a few exceptions. The devastating avalanche of 2014, the earthquake-triggered avalanche of 2015, and the 2020 coronavirus pandemic all disrupted climbing seasons, preventing Cool from adding to his tally during those years.
Cool’s 19 successful ascents place him in an elite group of mountaineers, second only to the legendary Nepali Sherpa guides. Kami Rita, a Nepali Sherpa guide, currently holds the overall record with an astounding 30 Everest summits and is reportedly on the mountain this season, aiming to extend his record in the coming days.
Hundreds of climbers are currently on Everest, taking advantage of the favorable weather conditions during the popular spring climbing season. Many have already reached the summit, and more are expected to attempt the climb before the season concludes at the end of the month. The approaching monsoon season brings deteriorating weather, making climbing increasingly treacherous.