Youngest woman conquers 14 peaks, warns of climbing risks
Adriana Brownlee, a British mountaineer, has made history. At just 23 years old, she won the crown of the Himalayas and Karakoram, becoming the youngest woman to have achieved this. She has now shared her thoughts on safety in high mountains, directing her warning primarily at those attempting to climb the world's highest peaks without sufficient experience.
Adriana Brownlee, who completed the ascent of 14 eight-thousanders in October, began her mountaineering journey in 2021. At the age of 20, she reached the summit of Mount Everest, opening the door to further challenges in the Himalayas and Karakoram. Despite her young age, by conquering the highest peaks in the world, she gained prestige and valuable experience, which she now gladly shares with others.
A call for caution and safety in the mountains
The young mountaineer encourages people to pursue their dreams and take on challenges but appeals for caution and proper preparation. In a conversation with the media, Brownlee expressed concern over the increasing number of inexperienced climbers attempting to conquer eight thousanders without prior training.
According to the mountaineering expert, a lack of preparation threatens both the climbers and their companions.
"I have seen many examples of people in the mountains that should not really be there, that should have more training beforehand, We have had to support them and have had to help with like small things like how to put on crampons, how to put on harness," reports Brownlee.
The need for changes in regulations
The Briton, who runs a company organizing high-altitude expeditions in Nepal, believes that the current regulations regarding climbing the highest peaks should be tightened. Currently, the only requirement is the climber's age—at least 16.
Brownlee advocates for the authorities to introduce additional restrictions. One such restriction would require aspiring mountaineers to gain prior experience in lower mountains, allowing them to better prepare for the conditions at high altitudes.
Plans for the future
Brownlee's plans do not end with achieving the Crown of the Himalayas and Karakoram. The young mountaineer intends to continue exploring unconquered peaks in Nepal and other mountains around the world. She wants to inspire others, especially young people, to follow their passions.
"For me the message is that in life … you can take any path you like to reach your goal," she said. That goal might be totally unique to you and it’s very important to keep at that and not to listen to the rest of society, what they have to say," she emphasizes.
