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68-Year-Old Brazilian Conquers Mount Everest After 18 Years of Preparation, Facing Winds Over 100 km/h, Temperatures of -50°C, and Completing the Seven Summits Challenge
This event happened in 2022, but it is worth recalling this incredible achievement. At 68 years old, Joel from Paraná became the oldest Brazilian to reach the summit of Mount Everest, in Nepal, after 18 years of preparation, three previous attempts, and facing winds exceeding 100 km/h and temperatures of -50°C.
“Seven in the morning in Nepal. This is the most difficult part of the climb toward the summit of Everest, which cannot be seen from base camp,” Joel reported at the time, during the ascent of Mount Everest, considered the most challenging stage of the final stretch.
Until the age of 50, he led a sedentary life. The decision to change his routine marked the beginning of a process that lasted nearly two decades until he reached the highest point on the planet. The preparation demanded continuous discipline and progressive physical adaptation.
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Mount Everest Requires Physical Endurance and Adaptation to Thin Air
The climb is considered dangerous. There are records of over 300 deaths along the route to the top of Mount Everest. Joel faced gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour and temperatures that reached -50°C.
The thin air necessitates frequent pauses during the ascent to allow the body to adapt to the extreme conditions.
Progress is made slowly and steadily, respecting the physical limits imposed by the altitude.
Joel made three previous attempts before reaching the summit. The process required gradual building of muscular and cardiovascular endurance, as well as psychological preparation to withstand the hostile environment.
Training Routine Started Before 6 a.m.
Discipline marked the preparation. According to Renato Ramalho, owner of the gym where Joel trained, he was the only athlete with a key to the facility. The gym opens at 6 a.m., but Joel often arrived by 4:30 a.m.
Constant training was crucial for the attempt on Mount Everest. The physical transformation began after his 50s and extended over 18 years until he reached the summit.
The climber Valdemar Niclevicz, the first Brazilian to reach the top of Everest in 1995 at the age of 29, emphasized that no one climbs the mountain overnight. He stated that it is a process of physical and mental development.
Family Followed the Ascent from Over 15,000 Kilometers Away
In Curitiba, over 15,000 kilometers away from Nepal, the family followed the expedition through a locator. However, the signal frequently failed, increasing their anxiety.
Daniel Kriger, Joel’s son, reported that communication could be interrupted for up to five days. The tension grew, especially in the final moments of the attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
He described the period as difficult for both those climbing and those waiting for news from afar. The uncertainty about the outcome kept everyone on high alert.
Achievement Completes the Seven Summits Challenge
With the arrival at the top of Mount Everest, Joel completed the challenge known as the Seven Summits, which consists of climbing the highest points on each continent.
The list includes Mount Denali in North America, Aconcagua in South America, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, and Carstensz in Oceania.
Joel stated that his goal was to conquer the seven summits. He returned to Brazil shortly after the achievement. From his grandson, he gained a new nickname after the conquest: “Spider-Man.”
With information from G1.
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