SOLE Blog

December 7th, 2011

Jordan Romero: Conquering the Dream of a Lifetime

From Kilimanjaro to Aconcagua and all the way up Everest, the team at SOLE has hoped, watched, and celebrated with Jordan Romero over the past 5 years. This Monday, December 12th, Jordan sets out to summit the last remaining peak in the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each continent). We caught up with Jordan before he left to conquer Antarctica's Vinson Massif, to hear a little more about what he's learned since his first climb, how he prepares differently now, and what the age of 13 means to him.

SOLE: What challenges have you been faced with in your quest to summit the world's tallest peaks (mentally, emotionally and physically)?

JR: I have been faced with a lot of challenges throughout this quest to climb the Seven Summits. Mentally and emotionally it's been focusing on the goal and completing it. Physically it is challenging on my body, but through time [I'm] getting stronger and stronger. Since 9 years old, I've been able to push through the toughest parts of each climb, generally without many problems.

SOLE: Your age has been perceived as your greatest weakness when summitting mountains and achieving your goals. You were 13 when you summited Everest. What do you think of this?

JR: Climbing some of the highest mountains in the world and not even being able to get my driving permit is kind of funny to think about. 13 is just a number, yet it has stirred some controversy about me and what I love to do.

I believe it is possible for my record to be broken. However, I do not recommend that Everest be climbed by just any other kid. He/she has to be mentally and physically prepared, and must have climbing experience to go for a mountain that big and that has such a reputation for taking the lives of many.

SOLE: You're scheduled to complete your final summit on Vinson Massif this month. How has what you've learned during your last 7 climbs helped you to prepare for this upcoming climb?

JR: I'm really looking forward to completing Vinson Massif and completing a goal we've been working on for 5 years - since I was 10 years old. We [Paul, Karen and Jordan] as a team have definitely learned from our previous climbs to make better decisions, and be even more prepared. I'm feeling stronger than ever right now, and I'm ready to take on the mountain.

SOLE: What does "Find Your Everest" mean?

JR: "Find Your Everest" is a quote that means you're to find your own dream or goal in life and accomplish it. Whether it's making the football team or scoring an A on a school test, anything is possible, and it's all about taking small steps towards accomplishing your own goal. This is a message I want to tell kids to get motivated and believe they can do anything they can set their mind to.

It looks like Jordan is about to "Find his Everest" this month, conquer it, and complete the dream of a lifetime.