From The Writer’s Almanac:
On this day in 1975, Japanese mountain climber Junko Tabei (born September 22, 1939) became the first woman to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. Tabei began climbing in college, where she was an English major. And when she graduated, she became an avid climber who was well known in Japan.
Two years later, a Japanese newspaper sponsored a team of women to climb Everest. Tabei and 15 other women were selected for the trip and began to train extensively. In early 1975, they began their ascent, but were struck by an avalanche while camping at 6,300 feet. The whole party was buried under the snow and Tabei lost consciousness for a few minutes. Miraculously, the Sherpa guides saved the whole party and even though Tabei hurt her back and legs, she continued to lead the team of women up the mountain. Twelve days later at 12:30 p.m., she reached the summit.
In 1992, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb the Seven Summits, and today she has climbed 69 of the world’s tallest mountains.
“Technique and ability alone do not get you to the top; it is the willpower that is the most important. This willpower you cannot buy with money or be given by others..it rises from your heart”
WOW! Reflection: Junko was buried under the snow! She lost consciousness! She was injured, saved AND CONTINUED TO LEAD HER TEAM!
My Question: What do I have in my life that holds this same level of commitment for me????
Filed under: Because of Grace | Tagged: Because of Grace, Junko Tabei, perseverance, quotes, willpower, Writers Almanac |
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Here is a 2nd quote from Junko Tabei which is instructive, especially in light of Jon Krakauer’s quote, which appears below: “I can’t understand why men make all this fuss about Everest–it’s only a mountain.” Junko Tabei
“But now that I was finally here, standing on the summit of Mount Everest , I just couldn’t summon the energy to care.” Jon Krakauer