The biggest story in the mountaineering world the last few days is that of former soldier Nirmal "Nims" Purja, who in record time successfully climbed the world's 14 peaks measuring 8,000 meters or more. He completed his attempt in just 189 days, approximately 6½ years faster than the previous record. It is an almost impossible achievement.
Closer to home, a more tragic climbing story has emerged: The probable death of a climber on Mount Fuji, who livestreamed his fall from the summit on the video-sharing service Niconico. It is the worst possible collision of the mountain's harsh off-season conditions, inexperience and technology.
The footage shows the man near the top of Mount Fuji's Yoshida route in clear weather. He can be heard saying his hands are numb from the cold and that he wished he'd brought heat packs. He says the trail is slippery and covered with snow and he can be seen sliding all over the place. Listening to the video, it lacks the distinctive sound of the bite of crampons on ice — a necessity for climbing Mount Fuji in the snow. He is walking into his own fate.
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