Climber Adrian Ahritculesei, who conquered Mount Vinson (4,892 m) on 6 January, the highest peak in Antarctica, told Agerpres on Thursday that the ascent took place in temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius and that the achievement at the South Pole brings him closer to completing the Seven Summits circuit, which features the highest peaks on all seven continents.
He reached the summit on 6 January at 16:45 Antarctic time.
"I am very happy to have achieved my goal of reaching the highest peak in Antarctica. Every time I go on an expedition, I try to prepare thoroughly both physically and mentally, and to be fully focused on every step. Every step on the summit makes me happy, it is a personal satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment," the climber from Petrosani conveyed from Antarctica.
According to him, the main challenges of the climb on Mount Vinson were the temperature of minus 30 degrees Celsius, the constant daylight and the vast expanse of "eternal white," mentioning that the achievement makes him "even stronger and happier."
"This moment brings me even closer to the other white land, Alaska, with Mount McKinley (6,194 m), the highest in North America, the last peak in the Seven Summit Circuit which I want to complete. I thank everyone who supported my project, all those who sent messages of encouragement, as they meant a lot," the climber added.
Adrian Ahritculesei has now descended to the base camp on Mount Vinson and on 11 January he is scheduled to fly back home, departing from Union Glacier camp in Antarctica to Chile and then Romania.
Ahritculesei's track record has several achievements including summiting Mount Everest in May 2024 and completing the "Volcanic Seven Summits" Circuit in January 2023, becoming the first Romanian man to record such a feat.
The climber from Petrosani is currently aiming to complete the Seven Summits Circuit, which includes the highest peaks on each continent. So far, he has conquered six of these peaks, including Mount Everest (8,848 m).
Aged 42, a graduate of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports in Timisoara, the climber works as an optometrist for a company in Petrosani.
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