Industry News
American Climber Andrew Ushakov has become the fastest person to reach the top of Mount Everest from the Nepali side in less than four days, the expedition’s organizer said on Wednesday. Ushakov, the Chairman and CEO at Mastermind GD and Genpro, set a new record by climbing Everest from sea level in just three days, 23 hours, and 7 minutes, Elite Exped wrote in an Instagram post.
Ushakov started his expedition in New York at 00:30 a.m. on May 15, flew to Kathmandu and then to the Base Camp, and stood on the summit with his team at 09:22 a.m. on May 19. Ushakov beat the previous 2019 record set by Roxanne Vogel, who did it in 12 days. “This new record is a triumph, not just for Andrew, but for everyone who believes in their dreams. Andrew only started climbing in 2020; he is not a full-time athlete, which makes this feat even more impressive. Huge Congratulations, Andrew—we are proud to have helped you realise your dream!” Nimsdai ‘Nims’ Purja, Director at Elite Exped, said.
Ushakov underwent over 400 hours of hypoxic training in a simulated low-oxygen environment. He used bottled oxygen for the climb from Base Camp to the summit. His motivation was not to summit Mt. Everest for his recognition but also for medical science and to benefit the wider climbing community. Ushakov is not a professional athlete and holds down a “regular” job just like everyone else. That had meaning to him to display to people that big dreams like climbing Mt. Everest can be achieved even if you have a full-time job. “This is for the 99% of people out there who think big goals are off limits. My message is that if you want to achieve your dreams—even if everyone else says it’s impossible—just give it a try,” Ushakov said.
Climbing Mt. Everest can take 50+ days due to acclimatization to the altitude changes for most people. Ushakov used a hypoxic tent at home to simulate high-altitude conditions, a method used by elite athletes to pre-adapt to reduced oxygen levels. Ushakov’s use of hypoxic training helped prove that it could be accomplished in less time. The science behind what the human body can achieve was another milestone for Ushakov. He also swallowed a special biometric tablet linked to a smartwatch and satellite phone to download real-time data about his health vitals and see what transformations his body undergoes.
Looking forward, Ushakov’s achievement of summiting Mt. Everest in less than four days is a huge accomplishment that gives hope to others who dream of doing the same. “That’s a win not just for me, but for all people who want to enjoy mountains with less sacrifices for their work and families. Now, with proper preparation, people can climb mountains in less days, spending more time with their beloved and saving the environment on the mountains,” Ushakov said to Elite Exped.
Yet again it proves,all it takes is money…..