Dr. Gabrielle Nel, a 25-year-old hailing from Johannesburg, recently became the youngest South African to summit Mount Everest, as well as the youngest medical doctor to do so! Gabrielle’s former school, St. Andrew’s School For Girls, shared the announcement in a Facebook post on Friday, writing:
“Well done to Old Girl, Gabriella Nel (2016), who became the youngest South African and youngest medical doctor in the world to summit Everest. Gabriella successfully reached the 8848m peak at 09:35 on 17th of May, just 9 days after her 25th birthday. What an incredible achievement.”
The school then goes on to mention that former student, Cathy O’Dowd, who summited Everest from both south and north sides, would be proud.
St Andrew’s School for Girls
Dr. Nel successfully completed the Everest with adventure company Makalu Adventure and Sherpas, Pherma, and Mohan. In a video posted by Makalu Adventure, Gabrielle says “It was an incredible experience” despite some “hiccups” she encountered making their way down from the summit…
“We did have some hiccups in terms of getting frostbite on the way down from the summit.”
Dr. Nel suffered a case of frostbite on her hands but was promptly rescued from base camp 3 and is now recovering at home after a record-breaking summit. She says:
“I want to thank Sherpa Mohan as well as the Makalu Adventure team for organising a long line rescue from camp 3, which is extremely difficult. I believe that the company saved my life.”
“With a successful summit for the season which was a very dangerous season, I’d just like to thank everyone from Makalu Adventure, my Sherpas, Phurba and Mohan, and the rest of the team.”
“Hopefully I will be back.”
According to an article published by SA People, Dr. Nel’s mom, Karen Nel, says:
“So proud of my daughter and her determination, perseverance and courage to reach for her dreams. Congratulations”
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Feature Image: Facebook / St Andrew’s School for Girls
