Kilian Jornet Climbs Everest for Speed Record

Kilian Jornet has climbed Mount Everest and has possibly claimed a solo, with no fixed ropes, sans bottled oxygen speed record up the north side.

He completed the climb in 26 hours from Everest base camp at the ancient Rombuk monastery at 5,100 metres to the summit at 8,484 metres.

[EXPEDITION UPDATE] Kilian Jornet reached the summit of Everest at midnight of 21st to 22nd May (local time) in a single climb without the help of oxygen or fixed ropes. He reached the summit via the north face of the world’s highest mountain (8,848m) following the traditional route. Thank you @sebmontazstudio for all your work! More information ▶️ blog.summitsofmylife.com

A post shared by Kilian Jornet (@kilianjornet) on May 22, 2017 at 12:07am PDT

On his Summits of My Life website, it announced, “Due to stomach problems Jornet didn’t complete the descent to the Everest base camp and is currently recovering at the Advanced Base Camp.”

Jornet said from Everest, ““Up to 7,700 metres I felt really good and was making progress as planned but then I started to feel unwell, probably from stomach virus.

“From then on I made slow progress and had to keep stopping to recover. I finally reached the summit at midnight.”

Jornet wanted to set a speed record for going up and down, but stopped the clock at 38 hours after stopping at advanced base camp. The jury is out to determine if it is a speed record. (Play clip below by clicking on it)

[INSIDE EXPEDITION] ? First images of Kilian Jornet's Everest ascent! He reached the summit after 26 hours of ascent in a single climb without the help of oxygen or fixed ropes. Congrats Kilian! Amazing job @sebmontazstudio #OurEverest — Primeras imágenes del ascenso de Kilian Jornet al Everest! Ha hecho cumbre tras 26 horas de ascenso en solitario, sin oxígeno ni cuerdas fijas. ¡Felicidades Kilian! Magnífico trabajo de Seb Montaz-Rosset tras la cámara! @salomon I @suunto

A post shared by Kilian Jornet (@kilianjornet) on May 22, 2017 at 4:17am PDT

Jornet started in 2012 and has since set records on a number of the world’s highest mountains. His records include the following.

Mont Blanc traverse in September 2012, Jornet completed the Innominata, a route linking Courmayeur and Chamonix, in 8 hours and 42 minutes.

Mont Blanc in July 2013, Jornet achieved the fastest known time for the ascent and descent from Chamonix in 4 hours and 57 minutes.

Matterhorn in August 2013, Jornet achieved the fastest known time for the ascent and descent from Breuil-Cervinia in 2 hours and 52 minutes.

FREEEEEEEDOM!!!!! What do you feel when you arrive in a place like that? @salomon #TimeToPlay

A post shared by Kilian Jornet (@kilianjornet) on Mar 14, 2017 at 1:27pm PDT

Denali in June 2014, Jornet completed the fastest known time for the ascent and descent with a time of 11 hours and 48 minutes using both skis and crampons.

Aconcagua in December 2014, Jornet set a record for climbing and descending Aconcagua from Horcones (the nearest road, at Puente del Inca) and back, in 12 hours and 49 minutes.

Since 1996, Hans Kammerlander has held the record for fastest ascent without supplemental oxygen of Everest in 16 hours and 45 minutes from advanced base camp. For other speed records on Everest, visit here.

The 2017 season on Everest started with the tragic death of Ueli Steck, who fell while acclimatizing on Nuptse.

Thank you Ueli for being a mentor in alpinism and a constant source of inspiration. Every climb with you was a learning to keep improving along with a mountain lover. My thoughts are with Ueli's family and friends. In loving memory Ueli Steck Gràcies Ueli per ser un referent en l'alpinisme i una font constant d'inspiració. Cada sortida amb tu era un aprenentatge per seguir millorant al costat d'un amant de la muntanya. Tot el suport a la família i amics en aquests moments tan difícils. Gracias Ueli por ser un referente del alpinismo y una fuente constante de inspiración. Cada salida contigo era un aprendizaje para seguir mejorando junto a un amante de la montaña. Todo nuestro apoyo a su familia y amigos en estos momentos tan difíciles.

A post shared by Kilian Jornet (@kilianjornet) on Apr 30, 2017 at 12:17pm PDT