Article by Viory
Historic Everest Achievement
Russian para-climber Rustam Nabiev has become the first person in the world to conquer Mount Everest using only his arms.
Footage captured between May 14-20 shows Nabiev making his way up the highest peak on the planet – with his unique technique, using two axes. The video taken on Wednesday features relatives and close friends greeting the athlete at Ufa International Airport – along with banners and traditional food.
“Thousands of people were on the route, thousands saw me ascending, and after my ascent they showed respect, admiration, and paid tribute to what I had done,” Nabiev revealed.
Motivation And Survival
The athlete revealed that his main motivation was the desire to ‘return home’ to his family.
“That was probably one of the most important goals, because reaching the summit is only 50 per cent of the task. The main task is descending safely, alive and healthy. I saw many people who died after reaching the summit, right before my eyes, so I know very well that I could have ended up in the same situation,” the para-climber added.
Nabiev’s wife Indira Nabieva,admitted she prayed for her husband throughout the expedition.
“The scariest moments were during the summit push, during those final days of his ascent of Everest. There was a lot of anxiety, but I prayed, believed, and waited at home. <…> It’s about depth, about strength of spirit, about motivation – that the impossible is still possible,” she emphasised.
Overcoming Tragic Injury
The para-climber lost both legs in 2015 in a tragic accident during military service, when a barracks collapsed on him. He spent more than seven hours under the rubble before undergoing amputation.
The ascent of Everest, completed on May 20, was Nabiev’s tenth major climb. His first peak was Mount Elbrus, where he developed his unique ascent method. His achievements also include Manaslu, Ararat, Kazbek, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Pik Lyubvi, and Mount Iremel.
Next Summit Goal
Nabiev is planning to complete the Seven Summits programme – climbing the highest peaks of all continents. His next goal is Antarctica, with the expedition planned within the next six months.
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