Big Bear Lake's Jordan Romero, 13, becomes youngest person to scale Mt. Everest

Jordan Romero, a 13-year-old from Big Bear Lake, Calif., has become the youngest person to scale Mt. Everest, the world's tallest peak.

The eighth-grader's contingent confirmed by satellite phone on Saturday (Himalayan time) that his climbing group, which included his father, Paul, and three Sherpa guides, had reached the 29,035-foot summit. Previously the youngest climber to scale Mt. Everest had been Nepal's Temba Tsheri, who accomplished the feat on May 23, 2001, at the age of 16 years and 14 days.

Romero's group climbed the northern route out of Tibet. They still have to make the trek down the mountain, which is a perilous route that claims the lives of climbers each year.

"Their dreams have now come true. Everyone sounded unbelievably happy," a new statement on Jordan's blog said late Friday, Pacific time.

Before he was about to make the ascent, he wrote on his blog: "Every step I take is finally toward the biggest goal of my life, to stand on top of the world."

Romero's accomplishment finishes his quest to climb seven of the tallest mountains on each of the continents around the world. His other climbs were: Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa) on July 22, 2006; Mt. Kosciuszko (Australia) on April, 2007; Mt. Elbrus (Europe) on July 11, 2007; Mt. Aconcagua (South America) on Dec. 30, 2007; Mt. Denali (North American) on June 18, 2008; and Carstensz Pyramid (Oceana) on Sept. 1, 2009.

--Dan Loumena

Photo: Jordan Romero leaves a hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 11 during his preparation to climb Mt. Everest.

Credit: Prakash Mathema / AFP-Getty Images

Comments

[Art Anderson]

Sitting here in a comfy chair, in the middle of Indiana, I am still absolutely amazed by Jordan's accomplishments, equally so by his dedication to the concept of getting kids, young and "older" (as his middle school principal termed them) to "find their own "Everest" and climb it! What a refreshing wind of change in this world of cocoons in which to swath children--even teenagers and college students already at adulthood!

Time was, there were no seat belts, no helmets for bicycles, no knee or elbow pads, no shin guards, no mouthguards, but we kids back 50-60 years ago didn't know that, and the vast majority of us survived the crazy, often dangerous things we did. Time was when an obese child was the anomaly--kids my age ran it all off as a general rule. What a difference from today. Kids today have so much supervision, be it in school, scouts, sports, that my generation didn't have, but is that supervision, or just plain stifling? The adults in Jordan's life chose to supervise, to guide, to encourage, but it's patently clear to me that at no point have they been the ones pushing--rather they let their son pull them, lead them; but still they shared their experience, their judgement, their guidance. If it takes a village to raise a child, then Big Bear Lake is exhibit #1; it took an entire village to encourage a youngster to do something truly big in his young life. Those are qualities to be admired, emulated, NOT denigrated.

[Art Romero]

Jordan is my nephew. I know him well as i know my brother Paul well. Jordan wanted to climb not in an effort to seek fame or fortune, but, because it just seemed like a cool thing to do. The enitire time while climbing all the summits my brother Paul and his girlfriend Karen never claimed it was an endever of theres and never tried to step into the lime light. Safety was and still is paramount in each and every climb.

Art Romero

[Gwen]

I was lucky enough to read an advanced review copy of Jordan Romero's book, THE BOY WHO CONQUERED EVEREST, which comes out this month.
It's a surprisingly sweet story for younger kids. No boasting or bragging; just a nice story with lots of photos from Jordan's climbing journeys. And yes, it IS inspiring!

[Shox NZ]

So effective your next blog to help my opinion. That I already have got a lot because of your prized writings as well as that is my chance to write about the good views together with you.Hope we all can easily make contact a lot more by the e-mail and internet.Thank you a lot.

[js]

typical american behavior. go and collect some money for the poor instead for a healthy 13year old american kid...

[Jeff]

It's interesting reading comments here after having been acquaintances of the boy and his family. I think the side yet untold is how hardcore Jordan's parents are and the inevitability of their lifestyle rubbing off on the boy. However, knowing the family, as little as I do, I can easily say that Jordan's decision to embark on these climbs was entirely his own decision.

Both Paul and his girlfriend are outdoor adventure experts. They've done week long (that's 24x7 to the un-initiated) multi-sport endurance races for years at locations around the world. Amazing athletes. I've biked with Karen his step-mom. They are not like normal people. They are billy-goats.

Although as a parent I would not like to see my child attempt such a feat that is because I am used to my lifestyle, which is not theirs. And his parents lifestyle is definitely not yours. You can't expect anything less from a boy growing up in a house of exceptional athletes and risk-takers.

In a way I think this was Jordan's quest to become a man, in the primitive sense. Many other cultures still practice what we would consider dangerous, becoming-a-man rituals. Maybe the shame is that in today's modern cultures, there is no journey into manhood, there is no risk. And even fewer rewards for success.

And as far as the difficulty of an Everest summit: I have a 30 year old friend who has done several day long endurance races who couldn't make it up Aconcagua the same day Jordan summited the 23,000 foot peak a few years ago...

[rickspitz]

If a 13 year old can do it then it can't be that tough, can it?

[Maggie]

I once had a car accident and the driver of the other vehicle was 13 years old. When I met his father, he told me how his heart ached for this son who wanted to drive in the worst way. I also had a 13 year old son at the time, who also just couldn't wait until he was old enough to drive. Both boys were very smart, talented, and athletic. As much as I loved my son and wanted to give him everything he desired, I knew that most things in life are worth waiting for, especially age-related and development related desires. Whether the father has money or the son raised it all himself has nothing to do with the appropriateness of the endeavor. Sometimes, love means having to wait.

[Hal Summers]

Congratulations to this kid and his family. Most people would be proud if their kid hiked up Mount Whitney but to have achieved this is monumental.

I applaud the parents for putting up with the criticism of ignorant people whose idea of adventure is watching the Discovery Channel. Great things are never attained are without risk and most parents really don't have the courage to allow our kids to aspire to do something great.

Awesome!

[Will]

What happens if he dies? Would that be a tragedy? I bet everyone congratulating him now would be despondent that a thing like that could happen to such a talented young man. But the fact is that climbing this mountain is an incredible risk for an experienced adult climber.

I'd say it's 50/50 whether Jordan lives or dies. When someone enters a situation like that just for the fun of it, it's really hard for me to feel sorry if it doesn't work out according to optimistic predictions. So hooray for Jordan on beating the odds! But I won't be shedding any tears if he doesn't make it through the death zone on his way down. Exactly when young climbers without proper stamina make mistakes.

(And for those of you who object to this kind of 'downer' talk, as one commenter put it- the possibility of death is exactly why this makes a successful ascent an achievement. Deal with that! This kid's life is on the line for fun.)

What is tragic is that Jordan and his father have put the lives of three sherpas at unnecessary risk. By charging them with assisting such a young climber, they've made an already challenging ascent even harder. Sounds like this family has a lot of money to throw around, so maybe they made the risk worth it. But when does it get exploitative?

[MikeOHara]

It's still a stunt, for a lot of reasons. The Seven Summits are not technically demanding (on the routes commonly climbed). The three tallest are grueling and require deprivation and perseverance, but that's it. There are fixed (anchored) ropes on all the steep slopes, where you just clip your safety gear and trudge up (or down). It takes a lot of money and free time just to train and travel for the climbs.

Most important, the hype surrounding the climb makes it a stunt. The hype is intended to result in profitable movie and book deals, sponsorships, and the like. When you've spent so much on an adventure, it's appealing to try to earn some of it back. But, to a lot of climbers, the hype is anathema to the spirit of climbing.

Having said all that, good for him for doing something demanding and meaningful, at an age when many kids are just messing up and goofing off.

[David L.]

It costs about $ 30,000 to climb everest. How does a 13 year old kid have that much money? That should be the story. Yes, it's quite a feat to climb the tallest peaks in the world. But for everest, as long as you have the equipment, oxygen, the sherpas, and the money, you will most likely climb to the top. boo to the reporter who doesn't know how the different angles to a story.

[Rod]

Exceptional people do exceptional things. Negative people do nothing and complain about the accomplishments of others.

[Diogenes]

Nice job kid, but I'll drink to Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

[Christopher]

This is terrible. The fatality rate among Everest climbers 10%, only slightly better than the odds when playing Russian roullette with a revolver. Any parent who would knowingly put his or her child in that kind of danger is sick, sick, sick, sick, sick. And the fact that it's a publicity stunt makes it all the more horrifying. I don't have the words to express how disgusting this is.

[Char Mae]

This is not that cool. It is about having $$!!

[Breck Girl]

Congratulations, Jordan. Ignore the naysayers and others who see your accomplishments at such a young age as child endangerment. These are probably the same type of parents who would not allow a 5-year-old Mozart near a piano, lest he hurt his knuckles or something. I have no doubt you are fully aware of the risks involved in mountain climbing. I applaud your parents for supporting your ambitions. And your father for climbing, too. What a wonderful experience to share. Congratulations also, to the people in your community who supported you. I think you are also probably more aware than most people that an experience such as this is how you grow as a person.

Best wishes for a safe trip down the mountain.

[Sam]

Great job kid! Oh and btw you just motivated me to get off the couch and go hiking.. My wife thanks you too :)

[Andrew B.]

As a fellow mountain resident (Arrowbear) and avid outdoorsman, I offer my sincere congratulations to Jordan and his family! This is an inspiration to us, and particularly to our children.

I find it very scary that some folks are saying the parents are irresponsible for supporting Jordan's quest, and even that they should be jailed (Susan). Are you going to have me arrested next time I take my children rock climbing, or on a hiking trail that has dangers??? Just because you might not be comfortable allowing your children to experience a given level of risk doesn't mean it is your job to tell other parents what to do. Our beautiful California is already too much of a nanny state; don't make it worse!

[Tyler Wood]

Man, pretty sad how many haters there are in this world. Assumptions will bite you in the bottom every time.

If you've ever met Jordan, you'd know how special a kid he is. Very mature, humble, and driven. Rather than sitting on the couch, playing video games, or getting into trouble, he is out experiencing the world - the best education one can get in my opinion.

Congrats to him for achieving a goal HE wanted to do. You may disagree with what his parents decision, but that's their son, not yours.

[Miguel]

Congratulations to Jordan Romero... too bad he can't participate in this message board.

[Jennifer]

Writing in from Big Bear. We are all so very proud of you Jordan. You have had a entire community behind you every step of the way and it is so amazing to see you reach your goals! Congrats Jordan!

[Kim Boda]

@Steve
I personally attended many fundraisers that helped raise the money for Jordan Romero to summit Everest in my hometown of Big Bear Lake, CA and furthermore have you ever heard of a SPONSOR????
Jordan's DADDY is not wealthy and neither is his MOMMY. They are fantastic people who contribute wonderful things to my community and the world. This is an exceptional human being you are talking about here...I often thought at first that perhaps Jordans parents were the typical "parents living vicariously through their kid" but if you see Jordan in interviews and hear his words you know what I am saying, for example:
"If you have ever sponsored me, ever bought one of my t-shirts, ever attented one of my taco night fundraisers, or just patted me on the back and wished me good luck…I send to you the most sincere thank you. Today I leave base camp of Everest and every step I take is ...finally toward the biggest goal of my life, to stand on top of the world. Every single one of you have made this possible. I feel in some way I have succeeded in just getting this far, but on the other hand I am drawn to do something great. Know that it comes from my heart. I hope to make you all proud." - JordanRomero“
Don't assume that you know what you are talking about here people. I'm not saying that you aren't allowed your opinions but when I read comments that are clearly NOT factual I get incensed. Perhaps there are people here who didn't get to accomplish their very own dreams and there is a tinge of "green" lurking about.
Just sayin'...

[rexl]

i do not understand why this is not child endangerment.

[Johnny]

There sure are a lot of butthurt people here in the comments section. Congrats and good luck to the kid!