In January 2026, British veteran Hari Budha Magar became the first climber in history with above-knee amputations to complete the famous Seven Summits challenge — climbs to the highest points on every continent. The final stage of the expedition was an ascent of Vinson Massif in Antarctica. The three-day climb took place in temperatures of around −13 °C.
The Seven Summits is one of the most prestigious projects in world mountaineering. It includes climbs of Everest in Asia, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Denali in North America, Aconcagua in South America, Mont Blanc or Elbrus in Europe, Puncak Jaya in Oceania, and Vinson Massif in Antarctica. By mountaineering community estimates, fewer than 500 people have completed the full route.
Magar’s life changed fifteen years ago after both of his legs were amputated. After a long rehabilitation, he returned to active life — took up skydiving and skiing, and decided to fulfill his childhood dream of climbing major mountains. His journey toward the summits began in 2019. Technology played a key role in the expeditions. Special prosthetics were developed for Magar with reinforced fittings and interchangeable attachments for different types of terrain.
Today, Magar is involved in charitable work and supports projects for veterans and people with disabilities. The climber speaks about his story without drama. In an interview, he admits that if he had the chance to get his legs back, he would probably refuse — because his new life gave him a mission to help others.
