January 10, 2016 - may 27, 2016
Seven Summits.
Two Poles.
A global project to inspire active, healthy kids and communities.
The Records
On May 27, 2016 professional endurance athlete, Colin O’Brady, completed the Explorers Grand Slam in a world record shattering 139 days. He summited the highest mountain on each continent and skied the last degree to the North and South Poles in uninterrupted succession.
Fewer than 50 people had ever completed this staggering achievement and only four in under a year.
With grit and perseverance, Colin became the fastest person to complete the mountaineering challenge, and also broke the speed record for the Seven Summits in 132 days.
“In the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain. ”
the timeline
The expedition was tracked with GPS for each leg of the 139 day journey and was certified by Guinness World Records.
The History
The time to beat was 06 Months, 11 Days, 07 Hours and 53 Minutes (192 days). Richard Parks, a British extreme endurance athlete, set the previous benchmark in 2011 when he completed his 737 Challenge endeavoring to accomplish the same feat. Colin managed to shave nearly two months off Parks’s record in 2016.
The Stakes
To set the world records, Colin faced dire challenges such as high altitudes, limited oxygen, extreme winds, and bitter cold temperatures that threatened frostbite in the Arctic and polar regions. This epic endeavor was a true test of physical and mental resilience and one that redefined the limits of human endurance.
The Journey
South Pole – January 10, 2016
Mt. Vinson (Antarctica) – January 17, 2016
Aconcagua (South America) – January 31, 2016
Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa) – February 9, 2016
Kosciuszko (Australia) – February 17, 2016*
Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania) – March 4, 2016
Mt. Elbrus (Europe) – March 10, 2016
North Pole – April 19, 2016
Mt. Everest (Asia) – May 19, 2016
Denali (North America) – May 27, 2016
*Colin climbed both Kosciuszko and Carstensz Pyramid to cover both recognized Seven Summits lists.
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The Cause
The Charity
FOUNDED BY THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AND THE CLINTON FOUNDATION IN 2005, THE ALLIANCE HAS BEEN CLIMBING ITS OWN MOUNTAIN, IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE THE HEALTHY CHOICE THE EASY CHOICE FOR KIDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. In the last 30 years, childhood obesity has almost tripled in children and adolescents. About one in three children in the United States is overweight or obese, putting them at risk for serious health problems today and well into their futures. There is no single cause of childhood obesity and therefore no single solution. By transforming all the environments where kids learn and grow, we can give them the best chance to live their healthiest lives.
The Mission
Colin attempted this journey for a larger purpose. The goal of raising awareness for the fight against childhood obesity in America fueled his mission. In response to this crisis, BEYOND 7/2 raised funds and awareness to empower today’s youth to develop lifelong, healthy habits in partnership with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Colin championed this cause knowing full well the benefits he reaped from healthy eating and exercise throughout his formative years. 100% of funds raised went directly to programs supporting children’s health.
First to Snap
In an effort to reach kids where they’re at and give them an eye into the limitless possibilities beyond their screens, Colin interacted with kids on social media throughout the journey. He became the first person to Snapchat from the summit of Mt. Everest. On his return from the mountains, teachers and educators applauded his innovation in using technology for good, to excite and inspire kids in classrooms.
Beyond The Mountains
“As a world-class athlete, Colin is a great example of what is possible when someone makes health a top priority. More importantly, as someone who is using his gifts to create a better world for our next generation, Colin is a perfect example of what is possible when we all work together – a brighter world for our nation’s children. Thank you Colin and thank you to all those you inspire to join the cause.” – Howell Wechsler, CEO Alliance for a Healthier Generation
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