Everest 2010: Alan Arnette Weighs In On Jordan Romero

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By: Kraig Becker
Updated:
9

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As I mentioned earlier today, the Everest season has pretty much wound to a close for spring 2010, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t topics that are spurring discussion. One of the most polarizing, yet celebrated, figures on Everest this year, was without a doubt Jordan Romero.

The 13-year old kid from California, who set a new mark for the youngest person to climb the mountain, has been the center of attention, both in and out of the climbing community, with some people applauding the young man for going after his goals, and others criticizing his parents for allowing him to even think about attempting Everest, let alone encouraging him to do so.

Alan Arnette, who always has the best coverage of Everest and information on what is going on there, has weighed in with his thoughts on Jordan and what he has accomplished. It’s a very well written piece, that objectively looks at all sides of the story . You can read Alan’s thoughts by clicking here.

Personally, I share a lot of the same opinions about Jordan and the climb in general, that Alan has. I’ve been writing about Jordan since his Kilimanjaro climb three years ago, and I’ve followed him on most of his other expeditions as well. While I’ve gone on record more than once saying that I though climbing Everest at 13 was a bad idea, I never the less found myself pulling for Jordan as he made his summit bid, and I sighed with relief when he made it back down the mountain safely.

My objections aren’t to Jordan personally, but to the recent push for younger and younger kids to attempt these dangerous things. I fear where that could be headed, and I don’t like the look of it. Let’s hope that Jordan’s record stands for a really, really long time.

Kraig Becker
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9 thoughts on “Everest 2010: Alan Arnette Weighs In On Jordan Romero”

  1. Perhaps one day Jordan will also become the oldest person to climb Mt. Everest. First that, but first that. Nja. I've got mixed feelings.

  2. Mixed feeling is the perfect term for how I feel too. Very conflicted on the whole affair.

  3. Everyone is reading the PR and missing the crux:

    Jordon is an excellent athlete, he trained methodically and hard, and he was part of a strong, very well prepared team.

    He was thus safer than most. Age and safety are – obviously, once you think about it – two different things, so stop getting them mixed up.

    If you want to keep people safe, ban the 40 year accountant with a mid-life crisis and $80k in his pocket.

  4. I bet Jordan was a more competent mountaineer than a lot who climb Everest! Look at him too; he looks way more developed than a normal 13 year old!

    Also i read a lot about how spoilt he is; do people not know what sponsership is? Look how much he has, it's not all out of his parents wallets.

  5. Also, Sorry to double post, but what is Jordan going to do now? Apart from finish the 7 Summits later this year. Will he go for the 14 8,000 m's or what?

  6. As Alan points out, he is apparently going to make a run at Cho Oyu, so I wouldn't doubt if the 14 will come up at some point, once he's finished up with Vinson.

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