Australian climber on record sea-to-summit Everest bid

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KATHMANDU: Oliver Foran, a 27-year-old Australian climber and former real estate agent, has launched a historic ‘sea-to-summit’ expedition to Mount Everest. This rare and grueling endeavor involves traveling from sea level to the Earth's highest peak entirely under human power. 

Foran’s journey began at the Bay of Bengal in India, where he set out to cover over 1,150 kilometers by bicycle across the sweltering plains and steep hills of India and Nepal. Now transitioning from the bike to a trek on foot, he is making his way toward the 8,849-meter summit.

The primary athletic goal of this mission is to establish a new world record for the fastest sea-to-summit ascent. The current record of 67 days was set in 2013 by South Korean climber Kim Chang-ho. 

Foran aims to slash a full week off that time, reaching the peak in just 60 days. To prepare for this massive feat of endurance, Foran spent six months training specifically to build his lung capacity and physical stamina. Having previously summited Island Peak in 2024 and Ama Dablam in 2025, Everest would mark his first successful climb of an 8,000-meter mountain.

Beyond the pursuit of a record, the expedition is a deeply personal journey dedicated to youth mental health. Foran is partnering with the Australian organization Youturn to raise $200,000 for a specialized mental health and well-being hub. His motivation is rooted in his own experience with teenage grief following the death of his mother from brain cancer. 

After struggling for years to process that loss, Foran reached a personal breaking point seven years later, an experience that eventually inspired him to help others find a way forward before they reach a similar crisis.

As Foran continues his climb through the Himalayas, he carries the memory of his mother with him. He often whistles the Madonna song ‘Like a Prayer’ during his ascent, a favorite track of hers that now serves as a source of comfort and strength during the most difficult stretches of the journey. 

By sharing both the physical triumphs and the emotional struggles of his trek on social media, Foran hopes to provide awareness and inspiration for young people who may feel ‘stuck’ in their own lives.