A Norwegian mountaineer, Kristin Harila, recently achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the fastest person to summit the world’s 14 highest peaks. However, her accomplishment has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding an incident involving a dying sherpa. In response, Harila addressed the accusations on her website, asserting that she and her team did everything they could to assist the sherpa at the time.
Harila, along with her Nepali guide Tenjin “Lama” Sherpa, completed their record-setting climbs in three months and one day, surpassing the previous record set by Nirmal Purja in 2019. The duo’s journey culminated with the ascent of K2 in Pakistan’s Himalayas.
Critics took to social media to express their disapproval after drone footage revealed Harila’s team and others passing by the body of a fallen sherpa on a narrow passage. The sherpa later passed away during Harila’s ascent, leading to accusations of insensitivity. Harila was also criticized for celebrating her record at base camp that evening.
In light of the misinformation and hatred being spread, including death threats, Harila felt compelled to share her side of the story. She explained that she, her cameraman, and two others spent 1.5 hours attempting to rescue the fallen sherpa, but ultimately had to continue their ascent when they received a distress call from their team ahead. Harila’s cameraman stayed behind to provide assistance, sharing oxygen and hot water with the sherpa while others passed by. Eventually, the cameraman had to prioritize his own safety and left to get more oxygen. When they later reunited, Harila and her cameraman were devastated to learn that the sherpa did not survive.
Harila clarified that her team, consisting of four members, was not equipped to safely transport the sherpa’s body during their descent. It would have required at least six people to do so. She expressed her condolences for the sherpa’s family and acknowledged that the situation was truly tragic. However, she emphasized that they had done their best, particularly her cameraman.
Numerous Instagram users defended Harila’s actions, highlighting the inherent dangers of mountain climbing. They also questioned why the fallen sherpa had not been better equipped. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the sherpa’s family, which had already raised nearly 100,000 euros.
Harila’s sherpa, Tenjin, expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of recognition given to sherpas by the government for their hard work as mountain guides. Many sherpas are forced to emigrate in search of better opportunities for their families.
K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, has proven to be treacherous over the years, with multiple fatalities. In 2008, the mountain claimed the lives of 11 climbers in what became known as the deadliest event in its history. Recent tragedies, such as the death of Scottish climber Rick Allen in an avalanche, further highlight the risks associated with scaling K2.
Despite the controversies surrounding Harila’s accomplishment, it is important to acknowledge the dangers and complexities of mountaineering. The climb to K2 comes at a high cost, both financially and in terms of human lives. As of August 2022, 96 climbers had lost their lives while attempting to conquer the mountain.
In conclusion, Kristin Harila’s record-breaking achievement has been marred by accusations of insensitivity. However, her response addressed the criticisms, shedding light on the challenges faced during the ascent and the difficult decisions made on the mountain. It is crucial to consider the complexities of mountaineering and the risks involved in order to fully comprehend her story.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
