Climbing
All of us dream of being on the top of the world, but very few actually reach the top. Viridiana Àlvarez Chà vez had a bigger dream, climb the three highest peaks on the planet (Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga) in record-setting time; a daunting task for even the most experienced of climbers. Viridiana completed the task in an inspiring length of only 1 year and 364 days!
She first conquered Everest (29,029 feet/8,848 meters) on May 16th, 2017. A little more than a year later on July 21, 2018, she completed the ascent of K2 (28,251 feet/8,611 meters). Her journey was finally completed on May 15th, 2019 at Kangchenjunga (28,169 feet/8,586 meters).
Viridiana was the first Latin American to summit the infamous K2, the second tallest mountain on the planet. While K2 does not hold the highest elevation, it has a far higher fatality rate (29%) than its more famous sibling Everest (4%).
She was recently awarded the Guinness World Record for the fastest female ascent of the top three highest mountains with supplementary oxygen in a remote ceremony. The previous record-holder was Go Mi-Sun of South Korea who achieved the same task in 2 years and 2 days.
Viridiana also serves as a youth public speaker when she isn’t climbing some of the most dangerous peaks on the planet. She wants to promote a message of good mental health, positive attitude, discipline, and understanding of how to set and accomplish goals. An inspiration to young girls across the globe that anything is possible.
Moving on from this accomplishment, she now has set her sights on climbing the 14 highest mountains on Earth. She would become the first North American to accomplish the feat if she is successful. With 5 of this list already accomplished, Chà vez is well on pace to accomplish yet another insane goal.
Congratulations and safe travels on all your future adventures Viridiana!
Oops regarding my previous comment, I see you’ve indicated she’s North American. Sorry about that, please disregard. Thanks
I appreciate the article and all the details but fyi she’s holding the Mexican flag in the headline photo. Mexico is in North America. Which is why so many Mexicans are native North Americans, contrary to what scapegoaters and other misinformed people would have you believe.