News > Student News > Jack conquers Mt Elbrus!
Jack conquers Mt Elbrus!
Former student Jack Garner has become the first blind British man to reach the summit of Europe’s highest mountain, Mt Elbrus.
Jack climbing Mt Elbrus
| 13 Nov 2018 | |
| Student News |
Looming large over south Russia and at 5,642m, Mt Elbrus is nothing short of a frosty death-trap. Jack, who made it his mission to climb the mountain, faced winds of 70mph, teeth chattering -37ºC temperatures and a longer stay on the mountain than intended when storms interrupted the eight-day climb.
Jack finished his challenge on 6 October 2018, and describes the descent as being “very mentally draining and physically fatiguing. There is also sometimes the added unease which comes from the risk of slipping.”
Well done Jack – what an achievement!
Jack completed his A-Levels at NCW in 2014, and went on to study Maths at Birmingham University. Now graduated, Jack is waiting to start an analyst job with the Civil Service.
And the challenge doesn’t just stop here; Jack is currently training with GB Para cycling for races coming up over the next three months. These include the National Para Cycling Track Series, National Track Championships and international meets!
Jack says: “I would like to pursue this and see how far I can progress with cycling, with an aim to compete at a future Paralympics.
In terms of mountaineering, I love the prospect of the Seven Summits challenge, so, over the next year, I would like to take on another mountain climb which would help me towards reaching this end goal."
We wish you luck on your next challenge, Jack!
You can watch Jack reaching the summit of Mt Elbrus here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-45883281/blind-british-man-climbs-europe-s-highest-mountain
Jack finished his challenge on 6 October 2018, and describes the descent as being “very mentally draining and physically fatiguing. There is also sometimes the added unease which comes from the risk of slipping.”
Well done Jack – what an achievement!
Jack completed his A-Levels at NCW in 2014, and went on to study Maths at Birmingham University. Now graduated, Jack is waiting to start an analyst job with the Civil Service.
And the challenge doesn’t just stop here; Jack is currently training with GB Para cycling for races coming up over the next three months. These include the National Para Cycling Track Series, National Track Championships and international meets!
Jack says: “I would like to pursue this and see how far I can progress with cycling, with an aim to compete at a future Paralympics.
In terms of mountaineering, I love the prospect of the Seven Summits challenge, so, over the next year, I would like to take on another mountain climb which would help me towards reaching this end goal."
We wish you luck on your next challenge, Jack!
You can watch Jack reaching the summit of Mt Elbrus here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-45883281/blind-british-man-climbs-europe-s-highest-mountain
