ABOUT ME

I started climbing mountains after I turned 40. At 43, to be exact.

I wasn’t born an elite athlete. I don’t have a professional team behind me.

I coach myself, build my own training plans, analyse my own data, and make my own decisions.

And I didn’t jump straight to 8,000 metres.

I built my path the only way I believe in — step by step.

The Mountains That Built Me

Since starting, I’ve stood on the summits of:

• Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m)

• Toubkal (4,167m)

• Kazbek (5,054m)

• Ararat — twice (5,137m)

• Mera Peak (6,470m)

• Elbrus West (5,642m)

• Elbrus East (5,621m)

• Island Peak (6,189m)

• Lobuche East (6,119m)

Each mountain taught me something different — endurance, humility, systems, patience, and the quiet power of persistence.

What’s Next

Mont Blanc (4,808m).

Lenin Peak (7,134m).

And possibly Ama Dablam (6,812m)

All leading toward Manaslu (8,163m) — the Mountain of the Spirit.

The 8,000m Goal

I intend to attempt Manaslu without supplemental oxygen. I am training specifically for that possibility.

But I will make the final decision after Lenin Peak, depending on how my body responds at 7,000m.

I will carry emergency oxygen in the Death Zone and use it if necessary. Ambition matters. But judgement matters more.

The mountain always has the final word.

What This Journey Is Really About

This isn’t about proving I’m the strongest or the fastest.

It’s about showing what’s possible when:

• Discipline replaces excuses

• Preparation builds self-trust

• Experience grows one summit at a time

• Belief stays steady even when the journey is long

I didn’t start early.

I didn’t start perfectly.

I just started — and kept going.

Why I Share This

To show that you don’t need a perfect background to dream big. You can build yourself.

Slowly.

Intentionally.

With purpose.

One session.

One climb.

One decision at a time.

If you’re building toward something that feels bigger than you — you’re in the right place.