British mountaineer Kenton Cool has reached the summit of Mount Everest for a record-breaking 19th time, marking the highest number of ascents by any non-Sherpa climber.
The 51-year-old adventurer reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) peak on Sunday at 11:00 AM local time (04:15 GMT), accompanied by Nepali Sherpa Dorji Gyaljen. Cool's latest feat further solidifies his legacy as one of the most accomplished foreign climbers in Everest history.
Since his first successful summit in 2004, Cool has returned to Everest almost annually. His climbing partner on this occasion, Gyaljen, achieved his 23rd ascent. Meanwhile, famed Sherpa climber Kami Rita, who currently holds the overall record with 30 ascents, is once again on the mountain aiming to push that number even higher.
Cool’s milestone comes amid a challenging climbing season. This week alone, two climbers—Subrata Ghosh of India and Philipp “PJ” Santiago II of the Philippines—tragically lost their lives on the mountain.
Despite the global recognition, Cool has often downplayed his personal records. In 2022, after completing his 16th ascent, he remarked to AFP: “I’m genuinely surprised by the attention—many Sherpas have far more ascents than I do.”
Just days before this year’s climb, Cool shared an update on Instagram, saying he finally had a favorable weather window to attempt the summit. “Let’s hope we can thread the needle in terms of climber traffic and have a safe and rewarding time at altitude,” he posted.
The mountaineering community has applauded Cool’s latest achievement. American climber Adrian Ballinger, currently leading a team on Everest, praised Cool’s enduring presence on the mountain: “His experience, charisma, and strength make him an integral part of the Everest community. He’s a great person to share two decades of mountain stories with.”
Jordanian climber Mostafa Salameh, one of a select few to have climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents and trekked to both the North and South Poles, also paid tribute: “Amazing, Kenton!”
In addition to his personal feats, Cool is a seasoned mountain guide and has led numerous high-profile expeditions, including guiding renowned British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes to the summit of Everest and other formidable peaks.
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