Erik Weihenmayer
When he reached the summit of Mt. Everest on May 24, 2001, Eric Weihenmayer became the first blind man to scale the highest mountain in the world. An experienced mountaineer, Weihenmayer had already climbed four of the Seven Summits (the tallest peaks on each of the seven continents). With his Everest ascent, some are calling him this generation's Helen Keller, a role model for blind people.
Weihenmayer was born with a rare genetic disease, retinoschisis, which left him totally blind when he was 13. But instead of giving up his love of sports, he began wrestling and became one of his high school team's star players. He discovered his passion for climbing at age 16. Weihenmayer is also an active skier, marathon runner, and sky and scuba diver.
Weihenmayer married his wife, Ellie Reeve, atop Mount Kilimanjaro in 1997. The couple live in Denver with their daughter, Emma. Describing his Everest climb to ABC News, Weihenmayer said the goal was "not just to stick a blind person on top like a sack of potatoes but to prove a blind person can be a part of a real team. You're a climber first and a blind person second."
- Time
Read the magazine's cover story on Weihenmayer's adventure, complete with pictures.
- Touch the Top of the World
Read an excerpt of Weihenmayer's book, "Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther than the Eye Can See."
- 2001 NFB Everest Expedition
Meet the climbers who accompanied Weihenmayer and read his daily reports from the climb.
- CNNSI.com
Before his historic climb, Weihenmayer spoke with Sports Illustrated about overcoming the doubts of others.
- EverestNews.com
The principle site for Mt. Everest climbing news discusses Weihenmayer's legacy.
- Incredible People Magazine
Weihenmayer discusses the genetic disease that made him blind by age 13 and his early interest in climbing.
- The National Federation of the Blind
Learn more about the organization that sponsored the Everest expedition.
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