British mountaineer Kenton Cool has reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 19th time, once again breaking his own record for the most ascents of the world’s highest peak by a non-Sherpa climber.
The 51-year-old adventurer successfully reached the summit, which stands at an altitude of 8,849 meters (approximately 29,000 feet), at 11:00 local time (04:15 GMT) on Sunday. He was accompanied on the climb by Dorji Gyaljen, a seasoned Nepali Sherpa, who marked his own 23rd successful ascent of Everest.
Cool’s Everest journey began in 2004, and he has climbed the mountain nearly every year since then, establishing himself as one of the most experienced non-Sherpa climbers in the Himalayas. Despite holding a record that attracts global attention, Cool has consistently acknowledged the achievements of Sherpa climbers, many of whom have reached the summit more frequently than he has.
“I’m genuinely surprised by the amount of attention this receives,” Cool said in a 2022 interview with AFP after his 16th ascent. “Many of the Sherpas have far more climbs under their belts than I do.”
One such Sherpa is Kami Rita, who holds the overall record for the most Everest ascents, with 30 summits to his name. Kami Rita is currently on the mountain again, seeking to further extend his historic achievement.
Kenton Cool’s latest accomplishment came during a challenging week on the mountain, with at least two climbers — Subrata Ghosh from India and Philipp “PJ” Santiago II from the Philippines — losing their lives amid the harsh conditions.
Four days before his 19th summit, Cool shared an update with his followers on Instagram, expressing optimism about the weather window. “Finally got a positive forecast,” he wrote. “Let’s hope we manage to thread the needle with regards to the number of climbers, and that we have a safe and enjoyable time up high.”
The feat has been widely praised by fellow mountaineers and adventurers. American climber and expedition leader Adrian Ballinger, who is currently guiding a team on Everest, commended Cool’s longstanding contribution to the mountaineering community. “He’s a great person to share stories from two decades on the mountain,” Ballinger said in a statement to Reuters. “His experience, charisma, and strength make him a valuable part of the Everest community.”
Jordanian climber Mostafa Salameh — one of only 20 people in the world to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam, which includes summiting the highest peaks on all seven continents and reaching both the North and South Poles — also praised Cool. “Amazing, Kenton,” he wrote in an online tribute.
In addition to his personal ascents, Kenton Cool is a respected mountain guide and expedition leader. Over the years, he has led numerous prominent figures on climbing adventures, including British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, with whom he has shared several high-profile expeditions, including successful climbs of Everest.
Cool’s latest summit further solidifies his place among the elite mountaineers of the world and adds to his legacy as one of the most accomplished and respected climbers outside of the Sherpa community.
