Speed Climber Tyler Andews Turns Around Below the Summit of Mt. Everest

Endurance athlete and elite mountaineer, Tyler Andrews, 35, arrived at the Mount Everest Base Camp months ago with a singular goal – breaking the speed record to the top of the world from the mountain’s south side. Andrews was denied on two attempts, and it now appears that he has aborted his third attempt at the speed record. Simply attempting to climb to the summit of Everest three times in one season is an incredible accomplishment.

Andrews climbs alone and typically without supplemental oxygen, though with support from his longtime training partner, Chris Fisher, who provided support in the treacherous Icefall and on portions of the descent. Trusted Dawa Stephen Sherpa from Asian Trekking handled logistics. Tyler has fought crowds, extreme high winds, and equipment failure during his attempts on Everest’s southern route.

ExplorersWeb reported that his third attempt began yesterday just after 9:00 p.m. Nepal time. As planned, Fisher assisted Andrews through the Icefall, past Camp 1, and to Camp 2 (22,113 feet). His InReach device and support team on the mountain reported that Andrews moved past 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) around noon today.

Mountaineer Aborts Third Attempt at Speed Record on Everest

He noted through his device, “All well in the mountains,” which implied a speed record to 29,029 feet was within reach. But after 17 straight hours of climbing without supplemental oxygen and passing the critical Balcony at 27,560 feet, Andrews decided to turn around.

I just heard from a member of Andrews’ team that the climber is currently pushing back to Everest Base Camp. He was unsure why he had decided to abandon his third attempt at the record. Andrews was chasing the speed record set in 1998 by Kaji Sherpa, who climbed from Base Camp to the summit in 20 hours and 24 minutes.