As I mentioned earlier today, the Everest season has pretty much wound to a close for spring 2010, but that doesn't mean there still aren't topics that are spurring discussion. One of the most polarizing, yet celebrated, figures on Everest this year, was without a doubt Jordan Romero.
The 13-year old kid from California, who set a new mark for the youngest person to climb the mountain, has been the center of attention, both in and out of the climbing community, with some people applauding the young man for going after his goals, and others criticizing his parents for allowing him to even think about attempting Everest, let alone encouraging him to do so.
Alan Arnette, who always has the best coverage of Everest and information on what is going on there, has weighed in with his thoughts on Jordan and what he has accomplished. It's a very well written piece, that objectively looks at all sides of the story . You can read Alan's thoughts by clicking here.
Personally, I share a lot of the same opinions about Jordan and the climb in general, that Alan has. I've been writing about Jordan since his Kilimanjaro climb three years ago, and I've followed him on most of his other expeditions as well. While I've gone on record more than once saying that I though climbing Everest at 13 was a bad idea, I never the less found myself pulling for Jordan as he made his summit bid, and I sighed with relief when he made it back down the mountain safely.
My objections aren't to Jordan personally, but to the recent push for younger and younger kids to attempt these dangerous things. I fear where that could be headed, and I don't like the look of it. Let's hope that Jordan's record stands for a really, really long time.
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