South African woman becomes youngest doctor in the world to summit Mount Everest
A South African woman, Gabriella Nel, has become the youngest South African and youngest medical doctor in the world to summit Mount Everest. The 25-year-old’s former school, St Andrew’s School for Girls, proudly posted the announcement on Friday, saying “what an incredible achievement”. Gabriella says the summit was an “incredible experience” and not without its […]
A South African woman, Gabriella Nel, has become the youngest South African and youngest medical doctor in the world to summit Mount Everest.
The 25-year-old’s former school, St Andrew’s School for Girls, proudly posted the announcement on Friday, saying “what an incredible achievement”.
Gabriella says the summit was an “incredible experience” and not without its “hiccups”, including frost bite on the way down! Watch below. Apart from thanking her sherpa and several other people, Gabriella also thanked Makula Adventure who she says saved her life during a dangerous season.
Gabriella, who matriculated from St Andrew’s in Bedfordview, Gauteng, in 2016, successfully reached the 8848m peak at 09h35 on 17 May, said the school. It was “just nine days after her 25th birthday”! The school posted the following photos on social media of Gabriella on Mount Everest:
Another St Andrew’s Old Girl, Cathy O’Dowd (who matriculated in 1986), summited Mount Everest from both south and north sides. The school said she was sure to be proud of Gabriella’s world-breaking achievement.
Gabriella’s mom, Karen Nel, says: “So proud of my daughter and her determination, perseverance and courage to reach for her dreams. Congratulations ❤️”
As for Gabriella, it’s not over – she says “hopefully I will be back”!