Veikka made northern European mountain climbing history as he reached the summits of all 14 giants without supplementary oxygen. He joins the prestige group of mountain climbing elite in the world. He is the all-time 9th person in the world to climb all eight-thousanders without bottled oxygen.
“It’s a great day!”
“The weather was perfect, no wind at the top of the mountain. You could see all the Karakoram from the top. ” They started climbing at 00.30 and reached the summit at around 8 o’clock. The joint climbing team worked well together (V&K and Bulgarians) “With sisu and hard trying, and by not ever giving up you can accomplish set objectives.” “Thanks for everyone who have help in this project. The world is great!!!”, said Veikka, being obviously extremely happy on the mountain of Gasherbrum 1. They still have a long way down to BC.
Champagne Moment!
Photo courtesy of Veikka
Bulgarian climbers Nikolay Petkov, Doychin Boyanov, Boyan Petrov, Nikolay Valkov summited as well (Veikka’s report and k2climb Peter Atanasov told ExplorersWeb later today.
In wellness counseling education at The Institute. A focus on mental and physical health, - "dare to change your life" (livestrong).
Congratulations to all summitters. What did Veikka say/think when he reached the top? “This is a small step …”
Congratulations to all summitters ; see my post : – http://himalman.wordpress.com/2009/07/26/veikka-gustafsson-completes-the-14×8000ers-list/
Congrats Veikka!
Congrats to Veikka – Onnittelut Veikalle! I think this might be the biggest accomplishment in finnish sports history.
Sir Veikka,
Your achieved something outstanding and unbelievable. Thanks for all excitement you’ve bring to us in these 17 years. Thanks for being such a great friend. Thanks for being YOU. Thanks for Mr. Tammisuo for keeping word posted after Veikka gave up his own website. Great memories to remember when we have a chance to sit down in Hamburg sauna.
Liebe Grüsse aus Hamburg,
- Jyrki & family
PS. Ed & Veikka, keep this song playing in your hearts ‘Guten Morgen Liebe sorgen…’
Absolutely an amazing achievement Veikka! Good congratulations!
Congratulations on accomplishing an amazing achievement!
I had just finished Ed Viesturs’ book ‘No Shortcuts to the Top’ and was wondering about your quest-FABULOUS!