In a tale of triumph and tragedy on the slopes of Mt. Everest, Lenka Poláčková, a Slovak actress, television presenter, and ultra trail runner, has etched her name in history by becoming the first Slovak woman to conquer the world's highest peak without supplemental oxygen. Her remarkable feat comes amidst the grim news of the demise of Kenyan banker Kirui Cheruiyot, who was part of the same expedition.
Poláčková's accomplishment, announced on Thursday, May 23, coincided with the heartbreaking news of Cheruiyot Kirui and Nepali climber Babu Bastakoti's untimely deaths. While the summit marked a momentous achievement for Poláčková, it was a somber reminder of the risks associated with the treacherous journey to the top of Everest.
*Source: TUKO.co.ke*
Before her historic ascent, Poláčková had already established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the ultratrail-running community, conquering demanding races across diverse terrains, from Slovakia to the Pyrenees and the Rocky Mountains. Her dedication and resilience were evident in her previous victories, including securing first place in the Prague Hundred in 2017 and completing a 500km route from Košice to Bratislava.
Accompanied by her experienced team and husband, Poláčková's successful summit of Everest without supplemental oxygen underscores her indomitable spirit and determination. Her achievement, just nine days after fellow Slovak Lucia Janičová's ascent, distinguishes her as the first Slovak woman to accomplish this feat unaided by oxygen support.
However, amidst Poláčková's triumph, tragedy struck as Cheruiyot Kirui, a banker attached to the Kenya Commercial Bank, lost his life after scaling 8,000 meters above the mountain. Despite the efforts of rescuers, his body was discovered hours after he lost radio communication with his expedition company, underscoring the perils faced by climbers attempting to conquer Everest.
The Nepali climbing community also mourned the loss of one of their own, as a climber succumbed to altitude sickness above Camp IV on the same day. The dual narrative of triumph and tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks and challenges inherent in the pursuit of conquering Earth's highest peak.
As Poláčková's achievement reverberates across the globe, it serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and achieve the seemingly impossible, even amidst the shadow of tragedy.
