On May 17th 2007, 28 year old, Omar Samra, became the first Egyptian to climb Mount Everest!!
Here is the last interview with him before he performed the daunting task...
Education
MBA, London Business School 2007
Climbing & expedition experience
Omar climbed his first mountain in Switzerland at the age of 16. Having grown up in Cairo, it was also the first time he saw snow! Since then he has climbed and trekked extensively in the Himalayas, Alps, Andean, Patagonian and Central American mountain ranges. Omar hopes to become the first Egyptian to summit Mount Everest. Other expeditions include traversing the Costa Rican jungle in 3 weeks, cycling across the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and around Andalusia in Spain. As a keen traveller, Omar has been to over 35 different countries and published writing about his travelling experiences in both English and Arabic. (
www.omarsamra.com)
Other interests and hobbies?
Other interests include Scuba Diving (Advanced Diver qualified) and Basketball where he won several gold and silver medals in national and collegiate tournaments across Egypt and the UK. Omar is also a keen writer and is in the process of writing a book.
What makes you want to climb Everest?
Climbing Everest has been a dream of mine for as long as I've known of its existence. I am passionate about climbing and feel drawn to the mountains. I am always amazed how such a beautiful and peaceful place can also be so forbidding. Climbing a big mountain like Everest is a victory against the weakness of the mind and body. Being Egyptian, it is quite unusual to be a climber.
Egypt is a flat country that has almost never seen snow. To accomplish such a feat is a much a personal goal as it is out of a sense of pride for my country and being the first Egyptian. Having said all this, undoubtedly the best part will be if we all make it as a team as the feeling of triumph will be ten-fold.
What skills will you bring to the team?
Having spent extended periods of time in remote places and on various expeditions and climbs around the world, I hope to bring a good balance between remaining calm in adversity and helping the team remain motivated and together on the mountain.
What motivates or inspires you generally?
Challenging the normal ways of doing things and myself.
What do you think will be the hardest part of climbing Everest?
Staying mentally strong and motivated as well as physically healthy for the duration of the climb. Also, the long summit day climb after only a few hours rest climbing from camp 3 to camp 4.
What do you think you will miss the most during the 10 weeks on Everest?
My appetite, a hot shower, a soft mattress and OXYGEN! But above everything I will miss my girlfriend Luisa who has been a source of strength for me on this journey, and my dad, brother (who will be joining me on the trek in) and my mother who has also been a tremendous support.
