South African mountaineer Sibusiso Vilane is working his way through the trifecta of endurance challenges. Having just climbed Everest without oxygen tanks, he is gearing up for his 9th Comrades and then back up Kilimanjaro.
Sibusiso Vilane was the first black African to summit Mount Everest in 2003 and has just returned from his third summit. He is currently working his way through three endurance challenges to raise funds for his “Comrades For Girls” initiative. The money raised will be going towards girls’ education.
He undertook the task of climbing Everest unaided by oxygen tanks. His attempt saw him climb to an altitude of 8,000 metres before turning back. When he landed back in SA yesterday, he confirmed that he will be going straight into training for the Comrades which will be his 9th marathon.
Speaking to eNCA reporters at the airport, he confirmed how happy he was for all the support he has received.
“It is amazing and I am very grateful for all these people who have come here to welcome me, and see me as I arrive. It always means a lot, it is what keeps us going, seeing people who love you, support you and look up to you as their encouragement and motivation”
“I’m starting my 9th Comrades race and I wouldn’t miss it. I’m hoping next year I run my 10th, I wanted to walk off Everest and come and run it.
“I have prepared myself, it is a personal challenge, I know it can be done, but I haven’t done it yet. So I have to do it and lead the way”
He hopes that next year, he will be able to complete his Everest climb and walk off the mountain straight onto the start line at his 10th Comrades.
Once he completes his 9th this year, he will be heading on to the next big climb, up Mount Kilimanjaro. Much like fellow mountaineer Monde Sitole, Sibusiso hopes to inspire more black South Africans to become mountaineers.
Sibusiso is not disappointed at all for having to turn back, he feels very proud of his achievement. He shared his thoughts below.
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