'Tough' childhood helped youngest girl conquer Everest

A life of hardship helped 'tough' and 'mentally fit' Malavath Poorna become the youngest girl to climb Mount Everest.

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Indian mountaineer Poorna Malavath, 13 (AAP)

Co-ordinators of the climb say Malavath, the daughter of poor Indian farmers, has become the youngest girl to climb Mount Everest at 13 years old.

With a team of Nepalese climbing guides the teenager reached the summit on May 25 from the northern side in Tibet.

"[She was] very tough…because of where she was born and brought up," co-ordinator of Operation Everest, Mohammed Ansari, told SBS.
Hailing from Pakala Village in Andhra Pradesh, a tough childhood prepared Malavath for the challenges that lay ahead.

"She used to fetch water…born in a harsh environment, physically she was very fit and mentally very strong" Mr Ansari said.

A 16-year-old-boy was also chosen to take part in the climb with Malavath, where they faced extreme cold and difficult terrain.
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Born on the 10th June, 2000, Malavath was just one month off becoming the youngest Everest climber ever.

That record goes to American Jordan Romero, who was 13 years and 10 months when he ascended the peak in 2010.

 


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