Vanessa O’Brien, is arguably the planet’s most well known female climber today. The 50 year British-American made it to the 2015 Guinness Book of World Records for being the fastest woman to climb the “Seven Summits” challenge, in 10 months
Not only has she climbed the highest mountain peak on each continent but also managed to ski the last degree to both the poles in what is known as the “Explorers Grand Slam” in a record 11 months.
Apart from that she is also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Member of The Explorers Club, as well as being a gifted public speaker.
In an informal interview she talks about her inspiration, her choices and her new found love for Pakistan. With a dash of élan and a pinch of humour.
Photonews: What inspired you to become a climber?
Setting big goals outside of my comfort zone and serving as a role model to others. While there’s a lot of hard work and discipline initially there is no better sense of achievement than knowing you are one of the few to have accomplished something unique. That makes all the effort worthwhile.
Climbing was a good choice for me because I was afraid of heights and didn’t have any alpine climbing knowledge. It took two years of climbing full time before I had enough experience to take on something like Everest and even then, I climbed two 8,000m peaks back-to-back. But during that process I had to get over my fear of heights and learn a new skill, alpine mountaineering. Through practice, training, and getting fit I was able to finally meet that goal.
The things that came more naturally to me were teamwork, hard work, discipline, and leadership (or leading by example) and confidence. These things I learned by working at large corporations. The mountains taught me patience and that I was NOT in control, that ultimately nature would call the shots, and I was a guest. I would always be grateful for a view of the summit that nature provided.
Photonews: Which mountain did you get a chance to climb first and what was your age at the time?
The mountain I climbed first was Kilimanjaro in Africa and I was 41 years old. It is never too late to start climbing
Photonews: Can you describe that special feeling of elation when you reach a summit?
I can, except that only happens in movies J The reality of a high altitude summit (a summit over 8,000m) is that one is actually quite knackered when arriving at the summit and is fully aware that the summit itself is only HALF WAY. Worse, 82% of deaths happen upon descent, so one needs to get down fast. While I am aware where I am, of course, and happy (rather, relieved) to be there, hoping for good weather (blue skies, low wind, no precipitation), sooner rather than later, the adrenaline starts to kick in and after a photo, possibly a high-five, and a hug – I really start heading down!
Photonews : What motivates you to keep on going against grueling odds when you feel you can’t go on anymore?
One must have willpower and must want that summit (and more importantly, a return ticket to base camp). That willpower and focus is more important than even the physical shape one is in. Call it what you will, determination? But keep it on the positive side of stubbornness. Stubbornness is a word that is borderline for me. Some people choose to raise money for charities, sponsors, etc., and that may help motivate them to reach the summit. If negative thoughts enter one’s mind, I like counting. 1,000 to 0 or 0 to 1,000. Or sing a ‘counting’ song. You cannot sing a song in a circular reference, however, like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”– that will drive you mad.
Photonews : Now that you are in the and have also competed the explorers’ grand slam, do you plan on resting on your laurels or have other events in the pipeline?
No, not at all. My next project is www.25zero.com climbing for climate change. I will climb Chimborazo in Ecuador in December during the UN Climate Change talks in Paris to illustrate how badly glaciers are melting at the equator. This is an important time in history for our world leaders to understand the implications of climate change and decide if they are prepared to take action.
Photonews : How would you describe K2 and is it any different from the other mountains you have climbed?
K2 is a beautiful mountain, shaped exactly as a child would draw one, like a triangle. Furthermore, K2 is surrounded by magnificent glaciers – the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers in Concordia. Being the second highest mountain in the world, K2 is of course, very steep right at the beginning. Many mountains, including Everest, become steeper over time, but not K2. K2 is steep straight away, and is one of the few mountains where one can see one’s base camp from every high camp.
Photonews : Any message that you would like to give to the people and especially the youth of Pakistan?
Yes. Asalam-o-alaikum! I loved visiting Pakistan and it is my new favorite place. Never have I felt more welcome or met so many genuine friends. Even I as write this, I will be joining my Pakistani friends tomorrow for dinner in London. Please understand how important individual steps are to break down any misconceptions brought about by ignorance, politics or greed. The Pakistani people have friends everywhere in the world – in the U.S., in London, and elsewhere.
The youth of Pakistan should be proud of their heritage and do what they can to bring their country up to international standards – in education, health, technology, and living standards. Everyone I met was very passionate about all of these things. The Youth of one’s country is the country’s future. So be strong, be confident. And like in mountaineering, don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. Take that “one more step.”
Pakistan seems to be on the cusp of a growth cycle and investors would do well to pay attention. Infrastructure and technology sectors are certain to grow and that is something everyone can keep an eye on – especially the Youth – to think about areas they can influence later.
