Mountaineers and others scoffed at the notion that Erik Weihenmayer, blind since 14, could climb Mt. Everest. They thought he would be a danger to himself and his team. But, on that day in 2001 Erik and his team, through preparation, personal sacrifice, and the belief that they would succeed, stood together on the top of the world. 

To celebrate this milestone Erik and members of their record-holding team reunited virtually and shared fond memories and recounted their struggles. Most importantly, they reflected on the advice their team leader, PV Scaturro, gave them on their descent: “Don’t make Everest the greatest thing you ever do.”

Resources:

Watch Michael Brown’s documentary film, Farther Than the Eye Can See on Amazon

Outside Magazine

Luis Benitez

PV Scaturro

Brad Bull (and his father, Sherman Bull)

Kami Tenzing Sherpa

Kevin Cherilla & K2 Adventure Travel

Jeff Evans