British Mountaineer Kenton Cool Sets New Record with 19th Everest Summit
Renowned British mountaineer Kenton Cool has once again etched his name in the record books by successfully scaling Mount Everest for the 19th time, breaking his own record for the most ascents by a non-Sherpa climber. The 51-year-old reached the summit of the world’s highest peak — standing tall at 8,849 meters (29,000 feet) — at 11:00 local time on Sunday, accompanied by experienced Nepali Sherpa Dorji Gyaljen.
Cool’s mountaineering journey on Everest began in 2004, and since then, he has made almost yearly summits. Despite the dangers and challenges that accompany each climb, his passion for the mountain and guiding others to the top has remained strong. Gyaljen, his climbing partner on this record-breaking attempt, reached his own milestone with his 23rd successful Everest ascent.
Climbing Amid Tragedy and Records
Cool’s achievement comes during a week of mixed emotions on the mountain. Sadly, two climbers Subrata Ghosh from India and Philipp “PJ” Santiago II from the Philippines lost their lives on Everest in recent days, highlighting the extreme risks involved in high-altitude expeditions.
Meanwhile, legendary Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa is also currently on Everest, aiming to extend his world record of 30 successful ascents even further. Despite holding the record for non-Sherpa climbers, Cool has often emphasized the unmatched contributions and achievements of the Sherpa community, once stating, “So many of the sherpas have so many more ascents.”
Respected Climber and Guide
Prior to his latest climb, Cool expressed cautious optimism, telling his followers on Instagram that a “positive forecast” had opened a window for his attempt. “Let’s hope we manage to thread the needle,” he wrote, referring to weather and crowd conditions.
Known for his leadership and mountaineering expertise, Cool has guided some of the most iconic adventurers, including Sir Ranulph Fiennes, on Everest and beyond. Fellow climbers, like American adventurer Adrian Ballinger and Jordanian explorer Mostafa Salameh, praised Cool’s achievement and long-standing dedication to the climbing community.
Cool remains an influential figure in global mountaineering — not just for his records, but for the stories, strength, and mentorship he brings to the slopes of Everest.
