13 Years After Losing Both Legs in the Afghan War... Conquering Everest with Prosthetic Legs

A Nepalese man, a former mercenary who lost both legs in the Afghanistan war, has become a sensation after reaching the summit of Mount Everest.

On the 20th (local time), local media including the Himalayan Times reported that Hari Budha Magar, a former Gurkha mercenary, reached the summit of Everest (8,848.86m above sea level), the highest peak of the Himalayas, the previous day along with four Sherpa guides.

Magar lost both legs while serving in the Afghanistan war in April 2010 and now uses prosthetic legs. This is the first time someone relying on prosthetics for both legs has reached the summit of Everest.

He has continued climbing with the belief of showing the courage and determination of people with disabilities to the world. He has already successfully summited high mountains such as Surya Kunda in Nepal (5,145m), Thorong La Pass (5,416m), Ben Nevis in Scotland (1,345m), and Mont Blanc in France (4,807m).

Last year, he reached the Everest Base Camp (5,350m). In addition, he has continuously challenged himself with extreme sports such as Everest skydiving and Himalayan ski trekking.

Hari Buddha Magar, who has continued high-altitude mountain climbing with prosthetic legs on both legs. [Image source=Kent Online]

After losing both legs, he spent two years in depression. He suffered from alcohol addiction and attempted extreme measures. Then, for the sake of his three children and wife, he stood up again and began challenging his physical limits. Magar said, "I wanted to be a role model who inspires everyone and show the world the courage, determination, and decisiveness that people with disabilities possess."

After completing the climb, Magar is resting. He is also raising funds with a goal of $1.65 million (about 2.2 billion KRW) to donate to charity organizations.

He said, "No matter how painful or how long it takes, I kept moving toward the summit. No matter how big your dream is, or how great your disability is, if you have the right mindset, you can do anything." He added, "The support of my family and supporters was a great help. Without their support, this expedition would have been impossible."