Nando Parrado

Fernando Seler Parrado Dolgay survived the October 13, 1972, crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in the Andes mountains. After enduring two months of isolation in high-altitude conditions, he traversed the mountain range over 10 days alongside Roberto Canessa to secure rescue for himself and his fourteen fellow survivors.

Early Life and Education

Born in Montevideo on December 9, 1949, Parrado was the second of three children born to Seler Parrado and Xenia Dolgay. He grew up in the Carrasco district and pursued his education at Stella Maris College. During his youth, he played rugby for the Old Christians Club alumni team and maintained an interest in motor sports, often driving along the beach roads of Punta del Este.

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Transition to Business and Racing

Following his return from the Andes, Parrado experienced a period of transition, during which he moved away from formal academic studies to assist with his father's hardware store business. He eventually expanded his professional activities into sports car racing, attending the Jim Russell Racing Driver School after an introduction to Jackie Stewart. He maintained a career as a professional racing driver until his marriage to Veronique Van Wassenhove.

Professional Ventures and Media

Beyond his retail operations, which he managed alongside his sister Graciela and her husband, Parrado established a career in television production and presentation within Uruguay. He authored the 2006 book Miracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home with Vince Rause. Additionally, he works as a lecturer, utilizing his survival experience to address psychological trauma.