Jordan Romero, a 13 year old American boy, became the youngest climber ever to reach the top of Mount Everest on Saturday. He reached the summit with his Dad, a paramedic, his dad’s girlfriend, and three Nepalese sherpas.
Jordan approached the summit from the Chinese side which is a more difficult approach but has no age limit. The Nepalese government would not give the family permission to climb Everest from Nepal, citing Jordan’s age. 16-year-old Temba Tsheri of Nepal was the youngest climber to scale Mount Everest prior to Romero’s climb on Saturday.
Romero, of Big Bear, California, has now climbed the tallest mountains on six of the world’s seven continents. He summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at age 9. Jordan plans to finish his quest to climb the highest peak on every continent. In December, Jordan’s team leaves for the Vinson Massif in Antarctica.
Jordan called his mom when he reached the peak. “He says, ‘Mom, I’m calling you from the top of the world,’” Leigh Anne Drake told The Associated Press. She had been watching her son’s progress minute by minute on his blog, which showed his ascent on map that displayed a GPS tracker.
Jordan’s accomplishment will continue to fuel a debate about teenagers pushing the limits of achievement. Abby Sunderland, a 16-year-old Californian, is currently five months into her own solo sail around the world. Last year a Dutch court put a hold on 13 year old Laura Dekker’s bid to become the youngest person to sail around the world alone and placed her in the care of state social services.
Teens are setting setting new adventure records that could put them at risk of injury or loss of life. Are they mature enough at the age of 13 to really make these decisions? Do they have the experience to anticipate the problems and possible crises that they might encounter? How much control should the government have over decisions parents make about their children engaging in these type of “extreme” sports?
Loading ...
Comments
12 Responses to 13 Year Old American Boy Breaks Everest Record
No – he’s not mature enough to make the decision, and it seems his parents aren’t either. I think it was an unnecessary risk of his own life, and the other people with him. The sherpas never get enough credit in my opinion. I think children learn to make good decisions only when they learn from the good decisions made on their behalf by adults in their life – not by giving them choices. This was self-indulgent to an extreme.
Children should be encouraged to achieve their dreams but this is insane to me. What would the chatter be like today if something had happened to him? As far as sailing around the world alone at 13…… what is wrong with that child’s parents?
What would the chatter be like today if something had happened to him? – Samantha@IW
Excellent point, Samantha.
I realize some of these children undertaking these unusual pursuits are more mature than the average teenager. Obviously, Jordan would not have achieved what he has if he didn’t have the motivation and commitment necessary for training.
That said, as we discussed in the “Single Ladies” video, why is it that children have to be made into mini-adults? The period to be a child is so fleeting. I would think achieving this dream would be equally special at 18. Perhaps more so.
I remember when the 13yo was wanting to sail around the world, I think that is crazy. I also remember, the little 7yo girl who was going to be the youngest pilot to fly around the world or something like that. Her and her father, who was flying w/her were killed. I don’t know what to think about this 13yo boy climbing Everest. All of my instincts lean toward agreeing w/the posters above me and say “no way!”. There’s a part of me that’s thinking about the danger of other sports that children this age participate in. Motorbike racing comes to mind. Gymnastics can be very dangerous and is fraught w/injuries. One miss and you risk becoming paralyzed. For this type of sport, I doubt the maturity of the teen to be able to handle the situation or an emergency. It doesn’t seem worth it to risk his life, but I feel that way about all mountain climbing. It’s terrifying to me. I admire the ones who take on the challenge, but not me and not my kid.
I have slightly mixed feelings because I feel like there are certain people who are just more inclined to endeavor without thinking as much of personal safety, and those people can end up being trailblazers. I’m the type of person who is always going to factor the risk in; I don’t even like rollercoasters. If people like me were in charge, we’d still be living in caves, and warning each other away from the sharp rocks.
So I admire those who have more adventurous spirits. That said, I agree that 13-year-olds and 16-year-olds are not capable of making these decisions for themselves, and I don’t think that being the youngest person to do this or that is really a good enough reason to risk your life.
Whoa, that kid has an impressive resume. I can’t decide. On the one had, I think he’s too young (I read Into Thin Air) but maybe its because I wouldn’t let my kids do it. But then again, I think maybe it should be decided on a kid by kid basis and if there’s one thing I learned from the whole Jon and Kate thing is to let parents parent their own kids. Who knows them better than their own parents, right?
Kids these days. Whatever happened to hanging out at the mall and smoking.
When I was thirteen I was learning to tie my shoes. I think this is great. We coddle our children so much these days that it seems wrong for this child to attempt these dangerous things, but I like to leave these decisions to the parents. I say “Go for it” and leave the Volvo-driving, holding the hands of 12-year-olds crossing the street, helmets for riding your bike around the block, parents shaking in their boots thinking about letting poor Brandy or Jarod stay outside after dark.
This is why I don’t think these things are a good idea. I hope the poor girl is okay. Click here to read.
Thanks for that info Jennie. I agree with you. I will pray for her safe return to her parents.
Thanks for the article Jennie. I had not heard of her. Hoping she is safe.
Abby Sunderland has been found safe in the Indian Ocean. There is a French ship that will rescue her in a little over 24 hours. Her rig us up right but is not functioning. She will not resume her journey .
I am thankful for her safety and hope she stays safe until she can be reached.
Thanks for the update Pam. Thank goodness she is safe. That type of accomplishment is not worth the life it could take. Alone at 16? I had not even heard of this undertaking, but I do remember her brother doing it before. I think it’s stupid for anyone to sail alone around the world. imo, the risk is too huge.