A school hallway mural depicting the seven continents' highest peaks provided the initial motivation for an American student to pursue global mountaineering challenges. Following this inspiration, Jordan Romero embarked on a series of expeditions that would eventually lead him to the summit of the world's tallest mountains before reaching adulthood.
The Everest Expedition
In 2010, Romero traveled to Tibet to attempt Mount Everest, bypassing age restrictions in Nepal that prohibited climbers under 16. Accompanied by his father, Paul Romero, step-mother Karen Lundgren, and Sherpas Ang Pasang, Lama Dawa, and Lama Karma, he reached the summit. During the journey, the team utilized satellite phones and GPS tracking, even conducting interviews from high-altitude base camps.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Seven Summits Achievement
Before his success on Everest, Romero had already scaled five of the seven highest peaks on the continents. In December 2011, at the age of 15 years, 5 months, and 12 days, he summited Vinson Massif in Antarctica. This accomplishment made him the youngest person in the world to finalize the Seven Summits, surpassing the record previously held by George Atkinson.
Public and Professional Scrutiny
The 2010 Everest climb prompted debate regarding the involvement of minors in extreme high-altitude sports. Medical adviser David Hillebrandt of the British Mountaineering Council questioned the appropriateness of the attempt, characterizing it as contrary to the spirit of mountaineering and raising concerns about maturity. Subsequently, the Chinese Tibet Mountaineering Association implemented formal age restrictions for climbers.
Publications and Future Projects
Romero documented his experiences in written works, including The Boy Who Conquered Everest: The Jordan Romero Story, co-authored with Katherine Blanc, and No Summit Out of Sight: The Story of Jordan Romero, written with Linda LeBlanc in 2014. Since completing the Seven Summits, he has turned his focus toward peak bagging, specifically targeting the highest points in all 50 US states, an endeavor that included a climb of Denali in June 2008.
Fast facts
- Born: 1996, Redlands, United States
- Education: Big Bear High School
- Everest achievement: Reached summit at age 13
- Seven Summits completion: Age 15
- Denali summit: June 2008
- Previous Everest record holder: Ming Kipa
- Current residence: Portland, Oregon
Questions readers ask
Why did Romero climb from the Tibet side of Mount Everest?
Nepal does not issue climbing permits to individuals under the age of 16.
What record did Romero set in 2011?
He became the youngest person to complete the Seven Summits after climbing Vinson Massif in Antarctica.
Achievements
- Summited Mount Everest at age 13 (2010)
- Youngest to summit Everest at the time
- Completed the Seven Summits at age 15
- Advocate for youth fitness and adventure
.jpg)
