Elsa Avila, The First Latin American Female to Reach the Summit of Mount Everest

Elsa Ávila

She is, in her own words, a professional climber, business woman, inspirational speaker, civil engineer, woman and mother of two kids. At the age of 15, she began rock climbing, participating in several expeditions and always adding achievements in ‘Big wall’ ascents in Yosemite, the Rockies, the Alps, the Andes, the Himalayas, Patagonia and Baffin Island. One of the most recognized Elsa’s efforts, was in 1999 when she become the first Latin American woman to reach the summit of Everest, the Earth’s highest mountain above sea level (8,848 m)

In 2002, due to deficiencies in her heart, she needed to be implanted with a step-marker. Three years later, she was diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia that resulted in a transient embolism and four minor strokes, however there was nothing to stop Elsa, nowadays she has everything under control.

After a period of 13 years of not visiting mountains, in 2012 she returned with an ascent to the highest mountain in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba.

Elsa is also a writer of the book “Triunfar al Extremo” (Triumph at the End), in which she recounts her experiences and vision of life.

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References:

Elsa Avila Bello, Everesthistory.com, Available on line

Ávila Elsa. ¿Who am I? Elsa Ávila, vision, passion, will. Available on line