A British mountain guide, Kenton Cool, has made history by reaching the summit of Mount Everest for the 19th time, surpassing his own record for the most ascents by a non-Sherpa guide. Cool, 51, from southwest England, successfully reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) peak on Sunday, accompanied by other climbers. He was reportedly on his way down from the summit.
Cool first conquered Everest in 2004 and has returned nearly every year since. He missed the climb in 2014 due to a season cancellation after 16 Sherpa guides were killed in an avalanche, and again in 2015 after an earthquake triggered another deadly avalanche. The 2020 season was also canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each year, hundreds of climbers and guides make their way to Everest during the spring season in hopes of reaching the summit. Many have already succeeded, and others are still attempting to make their climb before the season ends at the close of May, as weather conditions worsen with the onset of the monsoon season.
While Cool holds the record for most Everest climbs by a non-Sherpa guide, the record for the highest number of ascents belongs to Nepali Sherpa guide Kami Rita, who has summited Everest 30 times. Kami Rita is also currently on the mountain and is expected to attempt another climb in the coming days.
