When the news spread worldwide that 30-year-old Goutam successfully summited Mount Everest on May 20, many were curious: how did this armless Canadian-Nepali, who doesn’t rely on prosthetics, manage to climb it?
Last week, Goutam held a press conference in Kathmandu and told the world that he created this world record with the help of his teeth, feet, and other members of the same expedition team.
“When I was climbing, one team of Sherpas pushed me from behind, and another team pulled me from the front with a rope. That’s how I reached the top of the world,” Goutam said.
The Sherpa people are a unique group known for their mountaineering skills in the mountainous country of Nepal. The Sherpa leader who helped Goutam climb Everest is named Pemba Dorje Sherpa, who set the world record for the fastest ascent of Everest in May 2004, reaching the summit in just 8 hours and 10 minutes.
Goutam told reporters, “If Pemba hadn’t been our leader, I don’t think I could have made it. He even told me that he would rather sacrifice himself than let you fail to reach the top.”
Pemba, however, said, “Goutam performed exceptionally well. We only pulled or pushed him at a few particularly difficult spots where hands were absolutely necessary. Most of the time, he followed our footsteps and walked on his own.”
Goutam admitted that he wanted to give up many times, thinking that “his life was more valuable than setting a world record,” but the deeper courage and confidence within him kept him going until the end.
Goutam lost his arms at the age of 13. A kite he was flying touched a high-voltage power line, and after being electrocuted, he had to undergo amputation. Gradually, he learned to use his feet and teeth to do what hands normally would: eat, use a computer, drive a car, and more.
Goutam’s wife, Harmar, told Xinhua News Agency, “I’ve lived with him for nine years, but I don’t feel he is disabled.”
Before this Everest climb, Goutam wrote on his blog that this ascent — “standing on top of the world without arms” — was meant to send a message to the world: “People with disabilities are not incapable.” Even those with severe physical challenges possess boundless potential and strength.
Goutam also said that for this Everest climb, he received no donations from any organization or individual. His wife, Harmar, raised the funds by selling personal belongings and other means.
On May 20, while descending from the summit to an altitude of over 7,700 meters, Goutam was unable to proceed further due to extremely severe snowstorms. A helicopter rescued him and transported him back to the capital. Reflecting on this, Goutam said, “Being able to survive and return to Kathmandu from the top of Everest is like being reborn.”