Two American 17-year-olds summit Everest, a third turns back

Two out of three 17-year-olds is not bad for Mt. Everest. In fact, it's an outstanding ratio.

Earlier this week, Johnny Collinson of Snowbird, Utah, made it to the top of the world's tallest peak, becoming the first Westerner to do so. A day later, Johnny Strange of Malibu reached the summit. Their view from 29,035 feet: absolutely stunning.

More recently, though, Erica Dohring of Paradise Valley, Arizona, abandoned her quest during what was to be the summit push.

This dispatch from Rainier Mountaineering team member Dave Hahn: "... Subtly at first, and then a bit more obviously as we came into our first rest break, Erica’s pace began to falter and things didn’t seem quite so easy any longer. This was perplexing at first, since conditions were perfect, the terrain was relatively easy and Erica’s health was excellent.

"As planned at this point of the climb, where the [Khumbu] Icefall steepens and the avalanche hazard to a group increases, I asked Seth, Melissa and Kent, along with Ang Kaji, to go slowly ahead. We’d stay in contact by radio. Erica and I finished our rest and moved upward, but by then it had become clear that Erica was losing confidence in her ability to climb the mountain.

"Such moods come and go for climbers and I hoped this one would go soon. We determined to climb on up through the “Popcorn” section of the glacier and to reevaluate our situation at the Icefall’s midpoint. Through the Corn, I was happy to see that Erica’s strength and skills were intact… but clearly she had the weight of the world on her shoulders with some heavy decision-making going on. Her million dark thoughts were spawning a hundred or so in my own less nimble mind.

"I stifled the urge to `argue' Erica into an Everest summit attempt as we walked. I wouldn’t do such a thing for an adult… I certainly couldn’t begin anything of the sort for a seventeen-year-old. Everest is too dangerous a game… I’ve seen too many people die here."

Hahn concluded that the mountain had simply become too big for Dohring, and that she should be proud for trying rather than ashamed for turning back. She has vowed to return, though, and someday, most likely, she too will enjoy that splendid view.

-- Pete Thomas

Photos: Top photo of Mt. Everest courtesy of Rainier Mountaineering. Bottom photo shows Dawes Eddy, 66, of Spokane, Wash., and Johnny Collinson, 17, of Snowbird, Utah, after both successfully reached the top of Everest. Photo courtesy of Everestnews.com

 

Comments

[alex]

I'm jealous! Sounds like a fun trip to me, obviously difficult but that's what makes it worth doing. Not sure I really understand the goal of being the youngest though? I think of everest as something to enjoy later in life, when you have a better understanding of the risks you're taking, and most importantly a huge desire to do anything that gets you out of your 9-5 job! The comments in this thread are also interesting. I think perhaps the view of doing the seven summits has changed. Its turned from an amazing accomplishment (when done the first time) to a great challenge that middle aged weekend warriors trapped in office work yearn for (especially when you go with guides). This isn't a bad thing at all, but again you wonder how or why teenagers fit into the whole thing. What's a teenager who's already done the seven summits do when they reach middle age??

[Joe]

"raw physical fitness level to walk up a 30,000' hill"

I beg to differ. Johnny Strange has been the first to admit that the physical fitness level challenge, although absolutely important, is nothing compared to the mental difficulty a climb like this deals out. Note also that he has climbed 6/7 of the Seven Tallest Summits on each Continent.

Have you ever climbed a mountain, or even seen K2? Even if you have, it's unfair to imply that they're sticking their names on a plaque that says they're awesome.

You have no idea what mental toughness is required to climb one of these peaks, which is obvious from your initial comment. Try *just* walking from the parking lot of Pike's Peak to the "summit" with a plastic bag over your head and tell me that you aren't scared out of your mind, or tell yourself that you need to stop, and then perhaps you can comment. By that time, however, you will have genuine respect for this incredible achievement that two seventeen year olds have accomplished.

[Ben]

Steve-Do you have any idea--at all--what it takes to climb Everest? You know nothing about these kids or their journey, so who are you to judge them. For your information, Johnny Collinson raised all his own money for this trip and is raising money to do the other 6 summits. He is managing to do this all through donations. Also--he carried many of his own loads through the icefall and on the upper mountain--not relying all on sherpa help. Sherpas are part of the climbing team, meaning they are just as much climbers as the westerners. They are amazing, strong people and yes, they do help to carry loads, but that doesn't mean it becomes a walk in the park to climb this mountain. And even without the weight of gear, there is nothing "easy" about climbing Everst. Why don't you try a simulation: running a marathon with a plastic bag over your head while you have a hangover. That's pretty much what high-altitude climbing feels like.
In terms of the Sherpa's pay, most Sherpas who work with the big teams get paid very well and are able to support their families for the rest of the year on the money they make in those 3 months. The Sherpas get bonuses for each load they bring up the mountain on top of their regular pay, making for a very equitable system.
So Kudos to these kids, they did something that most people can't even dream of. Congrats to Johnny Strange for making his 6th of 7, congrats to Collinson for everything that he did, and congrats to Erica, for being smart enough to know her limits like so many people on Everest just don't.

[SP]

Having known John Collinson and his family for the last 10 years some of the comments above would not be said. His mom is a one room school teacher and Dad is the snow safety director at Snowbird Ski Resort. He is one of the most sincere and compassionate 17 year olds you will meet.This has been a dream of Johns and he is an exceptional athlete. If you were to talk to any of the Sherpas on the mountain that had contact with him i am sure they would tell you that he has more than pulled his own weight and is not one of those that had doled out the "big bucks" just to say he has climbed mt everest.

Please check out his website and read his bio to get a better understanding of what motivates him before making any judgemetal comments. His family has sacrificed a lot to allow John to follow his dream.

www.johnnycollinson.com

[George]

Tell me again what's special about being a tourist? I mean, that's essentially what these people are. Tourists. Paying tons of money to a guide service to lead you up a mountain? All it shows us is that you have the raw physical fitness level to walk up a 30,000' hill. Wow.

Go do K2, with a team of fresh people and no guides. Then you can stick your name on a plaque that says you are awesome.

[km4j]

Steve, how dare you generalize that "As long as you're healthy and have piles of money, you can do it". You should be ashamed of yourself. Anyone who thinks this is an expedition of solely rich American kids make me sick. They are following their dreams and doing what most American 17 year old kids with "piles of money" couldn't do if they tried their hardest. Congratulations to Johnny S., my dear friend John Collinson, and Erica D. for all they've accomplished.

[Crash Burn]

Because they are 17, this ascent makes a lot more sense than a journey where they would have to make their own decisions. Physically, 17 year old boys are are perfect for an ascent on Everest, mentally is a different story, but with how every ascent is choreographed to every minutia now by the guides, it is probably more dangerous for a 45 year old to summit than a 17 year old. Not everyone with 80K to blow can climb Everest, it has a lot to do with your physical conditions and physiology, but at the same time none of these ascents are a tribute to 17 year old logistical preparations.

[nomad]

Holly, the first attempt to climb Everest was 1922. By 1923 the summit bid party was using oxygen. Every attempt from then until the successful ascent in 1953 used oxygen. The first oxygenless ascent was in 1980 by Messner and Habeler. All the "experts" were in agreement that it was impossible and they would either die or suffer irreparable harm. Mt. whitney? Please.

[Becjy]

I don't know why it still amazes me that people are so self absorbed they can't celebrate the achievements of others. The experience and goals these 3 teenages set out to achieve for themselves is amazing, no matter the conditions. We should always support and celebrate their quest to push themselves by trying something they've never done or others haven't even attempted to do. All 3 are winners in my book!!

[Holly]

The question is, are they using Oxygen? While physically the feat is still amazing, those using oxygen are simply bringing the awesome nature of its elevation back down to something as manageable as Mt. Whitney. The pure and impressive feat is to do it as the early climbers did.. minimal way without O2.

[zoomer]

Oh and how about that "sick bird" buckle? I hope he has a photo of that at the summit. Occasionally, one gets a chance in their lifetime to pull off something outrageous. To not walk through the door leading to the chance is to not live out ones life. Too many kids are not living out their lives these days. Glad to see these are not some of them. Rock on!!!!!!!!!

[zoomer]

Anybody sitting at their computer dissing on a 17 year old for climbing everest has no business even commenting on the issue. Making claims of how an ascent was accomplished, again from the comforts of a home or work computer is ridiculous.

This supposed expert was not there, and has no knowledge of the style the mountain was climbed in so don't listen to them.

Kudos to the kids who pulled this off. The Strange kid sounds like he likes doing different stuff and I really don't think it will be all that long and we will be hearing of more awesome ascents from Mr. Collinson including K2.

[J E]

For any of you who had negative things to say about the accomplishment of reaching the Everest summit....all I can say is HAVE YOU DONE IT???? Do you know from first hand experience that it's "relatively EASY"?? Wow...jealousy is ugly.

[Steve]

Ib - Nearly all expeditions on Everest use sherpas to carry gear. Doing so, in my opinion, removes the 'self-reliance' aspect from climbing such a spectacular mountain. Alpine/fast-and-light style ascents (a la Reinhold Messner) seem more noble and impressive. Also, like Arvin mentioned, most of these large expeditions leave behind huge amounts of trash. I should stop myself, though, and remember that these same expeditions employ people (the sherpas) who otherwise would earn very little money.

Peachy - Yes, you're totally right. I am bitter. Because I don't have $30,000+ to spend on one of these expeditions. But, then again, the upside to the cost is the mountain doesn't get 'loved to death.'

[Arvin]

I have to agree with Steve. With an excellent guide, plenty of money and ever so hard working Sherpa, Everest is not an impossible feat. What's disturbing is the fact when you climb Everest, you are most like going to pass other climbers who are stranded and in the verge of death. In the pursuit to reach the top or come down to base camp, climbers have to stick to their personal, selfish pursuit. And then there's the trash they leave behind.

[lb]

Per Steve:I don't see where the article states that Sherpas carried their gear. Why go there. Congrats all. Perhaps Erica will try again.

[omar]

this is very inspiring

[peachy]

Steve - you sound bitter.

[Steve]

Unfortunately, climbing Everest isn't the spectacular feat that it used to be. As long as you're healthy and have piles of money, you can do it. It's easy to let sherpas carry your gear for you. Let me know when a 17 year old climbs K2 - that would be a real story.