British climber Kenton Cool makes history with 19th Everest summit

Kenton Cool becomes the first non-Nepali mountaineer to summit Mount Everest 19 times

British climber Kenton Cool makes history with 19th Everest summit
British climber Kenton Cool makes history with 19th Everest summit

British mountaineer Kenton Cool has scaled Mount Everest for the 19th time, breaking his own record for the most climbs up the world's tallest mountain for a non-sherpa.

According to BBC, the 51-year-old, who was accompanied by Nepali sherpa Dorji Gyaljen, reached the 8,849m (29,000ft) high summit at 11:00 local time (04:15 GMT) on Sunday.

Mr Cool first climbed Everest in 2004 and has summited it almost yearly since.

Mr Gyaljen logged his 23rd climb up Everest. Another Nepali sherpa, Kami Rita, holds the record for making the most number of Everest summits at 30, and is also currently on the mountain attempting to set a new record.

Mr Cool's record-setting feat comes after at least two climbers - Subrata Ghosh from India and Philipp "PJ" Santiago II from the Philippines - died on Mount Everest this week.

After his 16th Everest ascent in 2022, Mr Cool appeared to play down his record, noting that many Nepali climbers have surpassed it.

"I'm really surprised by the interest... considering that so many of the sherpas have so many more ascents," he told AFP in an interview then.

Four days before the latest feat, Mr Cool told his Instagram followers that he "finally [had] a positive forecast" that will allow him to go ahead with the attempt.

"Let's hope that we manage to thread the needle with regard to numbers of climbers and we have a safe and enjoyable time up high," he wrote.

Fellow climbers also hailed the achievement. Mr Cool is a "great person to share stories from two decades on the mountain", American adventurer Adrian Ballinger told Reuters news agency.

Amazing, Kenton," wrote Jordanian mountaineer Mostafa Salameh, who is one of only 20 people to climb the highest mountains on all seven continents and conquer the North and South Poles.

Mr Cool is also a mountain guide who has led British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, among others, on several notable climbs including Everest.

Read more : World
Port Authority bus terminal shutdown after 2 buses collide, injuring 12
Port Authority bus terminal shutdown after 2 buses collide, injuring 12
NYC's Port Authority bus terminal closed after multi-bus accident leaves 12 injured
Europe heat wave turns deadly: Wildfire kills 2 in Spain
Europe heat wave turns deadly: Wildfire kills 2 in Spain
Spain wildfire claims two lives in rural province of Lleida amidst scorching heat wave in Europe
Paramount to settle lawsuit with Trump over Harris interview without apology
Paramount to settle lawsuit with Trump over Harris interview without apology
CBS owner Paramount agrees to pay Trump $16M to settle a lawsuit over '60 Minutes' Harris interview
Dalai Lama shocks China with major announcement about his successor
Dalai Lama shocks China with major announcement about his successor
The Tibetan spiritual leader shared that only his foundation has the power to recognise his successor
Labubu buzz skyrockets Pop Mart CEO's net worth: Here's how much he owns now
Labubu buzz skyrockets Pop Mart CEO's net worth: Here's how much he owns now
Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning has secured his place in the three-comma club as Labubu trend takes over the internet
European heatwave shuts down Eiffel Tower for tourists
European heatwave shuts down Eiffel Tower for tourists
Countries including France, Spain and the UK have been witnessing record-breaking heat in early summer
California fireworks warehouse erupts in explosion after fire
California fireworks warehouse erupts in explosion after fire
An evacuation notice was put in place after the surrounding area was hit with debris and fireworks
UK sees unexpected rise in over-60 fathers, experts surprised
UK sees unexpected rise in over-60 fathers, experts surprised
The number of babies born to parents under 30 went down last year
World’s deepest tunnel under construction in Norway to cut travel time in half
World’s deepest tunnel under construction in Norway to cut travel time in half
This tunnel will be 16.5 miles long and run 392 meters which let cars travel between the cities of Stavanger and Bergen
UK weather: Hottest day of 2025 recorded as temperatures soar to 33.9C
UK weather: Hottest day of 2025 recorded as temperatures soar to 33.9C
This week was the second time in 2025 that the UK experienced a heatwave
Channel crossings hit record high as 20,000 migrants reach UK in early 2025
Channel crossings hit record high as 20,000 migrants reach UK in early 2025
In the first six months of 2025, more people crossed the Channel than ever before in the same time period
Grandmother heroic dive saves grandson after floating 2 miles out to sea
Grandmother heroic dive saves grandson after floating 2 miles out to sea
5-year-old boy floats 2 miles off Italian Coast on inflatable mattress before dramatic rescue