American climber Tyler Andrews has set a new speed record on Mount Everest using supplementary oxygen, reaching the summit of the world’s highest mountain in less than 10 hours.
According to his expedition team, Andrews completed the climb on Thursday in 9 hours and 55 minutes, breaking the previous record of 10 hours and 56 minutes set in 2003 by Nepali climber Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa.
The achievement is still awaiting official verification from Nepal’s mountain authorities.
Andrews, 36, reportedly reached the 8,849-metre summit shortly before dawn on Thursday. Updates shared on his Instagram account included live GPS tracking of his route during the climb.
Confirming the accomplishment, team leader Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking said Andrews successfully completed the ascent in record time.
“He reached Everest’s peak in just 9 hours 55 minutes,” Sherpa told AFP.
The expedition team explained that Andrews undertook the climb solo while receiving logistical support from guides who supplied supplementary oxygen, food, and water during the ascent.
Earlier in May, Andrews had attempted to break the speed record for climbing Everest without supplementary oxygen. However, he was forced to turn back before completing the challenge.
Beyond the sporting feat, Andrews said his Everest expedition is also aimed at raising funds for youth athletes in Ecuador and Nepal who lack access to training, coaching, and sporting equipment.
The American climber, who described himself as a cancer survivor, said the fundraising effort is intended to create opportunities for young athletes facing economic challenges.
This year’s Everest climbing season has seen more than 950 climbers successfully reach the summit as the weather window for expeditions gradually closes.
Despite generally improved climbing conditions this season, five people have died on Everest, including two Indian climbers and three Nepali mountaineering workers involved in expedition preparations.
The death toll remains significantly lower than in 2023, which became the deadliest season on Everest with 18 recorded fatalities.
