Bouchra Baibanou is a 50-year old climber who became the first ever Moroccan to scale the highest mountain of all seven continents. Now, her extraordinary achievements have inspired a new generation of climbers and adventure sports enthusiasts to conquer their fears.
Baibanou recently reached the summit of Antarctica’s Mount Vinson and completed her 8-year journey in which she travelled the globe to climb each continent’s highest mountain, reported AFP.
“With will power and perseverance, you can get there. I am proud, as a Moroccan and as a woman,” Baibanou told AFP after reaching the summit of Mount Vinson.
On reaching the summit of Mount Vinson, Baibanou clutched her national flag and a banner with a campaign message.
The 50-year-old described the mountain as a “great school” and said ‘courage, optimism, perseverance, determination and humility’ are some of the attributes needed to scale a peak like Mount Vinson.
However, her journey to the top has not been an easy one.
Baibnanou climbed the seven peaks with a tight budget that included sponsorships and contributions from friends and family.
“It’s not very rewarding to be a mountaineering adventurer in Morocco,” she said.
Apart from mountaineering, Baibanou gives talks at schools and universities in Morocco. She is also planning to develop mountain tourism in Morocco.
Baibanou told AFP she started mountaineering at the age of 15 during a summer camp but her parents were never keen about her passion.
But after 35 years, Baibanou is now one of the most successful mountaineers in the world.
“I hope to be a role model, above all for young women — for those who dare to believe in themselves,” said Baibanou.
Courtesy: Times Now
