Pritam Bhattarai/Kathmandu : Lucia Janičová, a scientist, has scripted history by becoming the first Slovak woman to summit Sagarmatha. She stood atop the world’s highest mountain on 12 May, 2024, at 7:25 am, accompanied by Sherpas from Seven Summit Treks (SST), a leading Kathmandu-based expedition operator, said SST’s General Manager Thaneswar Guragai.

A reputed researcher in immuno-oncology by profession, Janicova, 37, mother of 9-year-old Adélka, has been always on the hunt for something beyond her own borders, something that challenges her as a woman, and brings peace in life. Her passion for rock climbing grew the moment when she first tried climbing on sea cliffs. Gradually, she found her niche in climbing mountains.

In preparations for the Everest expedition, she earlier climbed Mont Blanc (4,807 m), Mera Peak (6,476 m) and Aconcagua (6961 m).

With an extensive expertise in drug development, cell biology, tumor immunology, sustainability, analytical skills, she experiences mountaineering as a tool of strengthening physical and mental health which pushes her higher and higher in the mountains. She says that her achievement was more than setting a record, inspiring and motivating women out there to be able to know their strength and trust themselves more.

“When I found out that no Slovak woman had ever climbed Mount Everest, I saw it as a reflection of the deeply rooted gender inequality in our society and I decided to break this barrier.”

Similarly, Veteran climber Kami Rita Sherpa climbed Sagarmatha for a whopping 29th time, surpassing his own record for the most ascent of the world’s highest peak. He made this achievement on May 12 with SST.

Kazakh skyrunner athlete Anar Burasheva achieved the distinction of becoming the first Kazakh woman to reach Mt Everest. Burasheva, who summited the peak on May 12, was part of a climbing team guided by SST.

Also, Jordan Yogendra Chhetri, a British national of Nepali origin, has made history by becoming the first cancer survivor to summit Mt Everest, climbing with SST as well.

Meanwhile, at least 30 climbers made it to the top of the world’s highest mountain with SST so far this season.