Photo via Xinhua
Chinese double-amputee climber Xia Boyu on Monday was crowned as the Laureus Sporting Moment of the Year 2019 winner, a world-class title given to international sportsmen to honor their remarkable achievements, and in Xia’s case, a breathe-taking one, too.
Xia made his name known in and beyond China on May 14, 2018, when he became the first Chinese double-amputee climber to reach the summit of Mount Qomolangma.
Photo via Xinhua
But the 70-year-old man’s story with the world’s highest mountain started decades ago, when Xia joined the Chinese mountaineering team in 1974.
During his first climb in 1975, the young Xia gave his sleeping bag to a teammate who had lost his own due to physical exhaustion. When they reached the foot of the mountain, Xia discovered that his feet had no feeling. Unfortunately, his legs had to be amputated.
For a period of time, Xia felt his life was meaningless. However, he did not feel regretful for starting the mission or for giving up the chance of survival to others.
He later got prosthetic legs. To fulfill his dream of reaching the top of the mountain, he trained every day and did outdoor sports. However, Xia later discovered that he had lymph cancer, and he had to work harder not to give up.
In 2014, he restarted his challenge of climbing the mountain, but had to stop due to an avalanche. In 2016, his attempt was again thwarted, this time because of an earthquake and blizzard.
Photo via Xinmin Evening News
He made his fifth attempt in 2018 and even said that he had feared it would be his last.
“Reaching the summit of Qomolangma has always been a dream and goal. I have fought for it over the past decades. Despite several bad things, I never gave up. The perseverance has made my life colorful and meaningful,” Xia told Chinese media.
Xia added that his next goal will be “7+2,” that is, the highest summits of seven continents, plus the South and North poles. In May, Xia will attempt to climb Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe.