The youngest Australian to reach the peak of Mount Everest has returned safely to base camp following “an amazing climb”
Queensland teenager Alyssa Azar has made it back safely to base camp after becoming the youngest Australian to climb to the summit of Mount Everest.
The 19-year-old, who reached the summit of the world’s tallest mountain on Saturday, said she’d made it back to safety on Monday.
Family and friends received confirmation the 19-year-old had reached the summit of the world’s highest mountain after a long day of anticipation and anxiety.
“We can confirm that Alyssa has successfully summited Mt Everest. This has been a goal she has been determined to achieve for several years,” family friend Sonia Taylor posted in an update to Alyssa’s Facebook page just after 8.30pm.
“It’s an amazing achievement,’’ Ms Taylor said.
It was Alyssa’s third attempt in three years. In 2014, she survived Everest’s then-worst disaster, when an avalanche killed 16 people. Then last year she had to abandon her expedition because of the devastating Nepalese earthquake that left 18 climbers and Sherpas dead on the mountain.
In doing so she broke the Australian age record set by 21-year-old Rex Pemberton who climbed to the summit 2005.
Her trainer, Chase Tucker, has described Alyssa’s training regime for the expedition as equivalent to that of an athlete training for the Olympics.
“She’s an incredibly disciplined athlete,” he told AAP.
“To keep coming back three years in a row says a lot about her determination and will power and mental strength,’’ Ms Taylor said. “Alyssa has had her share of setbacks but has never waivered in her determination.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: “Alyssa has shown great courage and determination. She is an inspiration.”
Ms Azar is expected to return home to Brisbane by late next week.
