A celebrated recipient of the Pride of Britain award, former Ghurka and courageous war veteran Hari Budha Magar reached out to the Mirror upon learning of his fifth Guinness World Record achievement. Hari, the first double amputee to summit the Seven Summits, expressed his elation and gratitude for the accomplishment, emphasizing the arduous journey he undertook to conquer the world’s highest peaks.
The Seven Summits challenge encompasses scaling Mount Everest in Nepal, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Denali in Alaska, Aconcagua in Argentina, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Carstensz Pyramid in New Guinea, and Elbrus in Russia. Due to Elbrus being inaccessible to Westerners, Hari opted to climb Mont Blanc in France as an alternative, a feat recognized by Guinness World Records.
Embarking on his latest endeavor in 2019, Hari completed his final ascent of Mount Vinson on January 7 of this year, securing another Guinness World Record and proudly planting the Mirror’s flag atop the summit. Renowned as an adaptive mountaineer and advocate for disabilities, Hari’s previous Guinness World Records include being the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest, Denali, and Puncak Jaya in Indonesia.
Acknowledged with a Special Recognition Award at the 2024 Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, Hari is set to be honored as one of this year’s Guinness World Records ICONS, recognizing individuals whose achievements transcend their records. With plans to display his certificates proudly, Hari humorously contemplates potential clashes with his living room decor, reveling in the distinction of being a Guinness World Record ICON.
Hailing from a modest background in Nepal, Hari’s upbringing instilled a spirit of resilience and determination. Selected among thousands to join the Gurkhas, he overcame immense challenges using specially designed prosthetic legs for snow and ice climbing. His mission to raise awareness about disabilities and defy limitations has garnered widespread recognition, culminating in an MBE for his contributions to disability advocacy in 2024.
Looking ahead, Hari envisions new frontiers to conquer, musing about potential expeditions to the Poles, the ocean’s depths, or even outer space. Driven by a desire to inspire and empower individuals with disabilities, Hari encourages them to defy conventional constraints and pursue their passions. Expressing gratitude to his colleagues who risked their lives to save him during a critical incident, Hari dedicates his achievements to them and to all who face adversity with unwavering determination.
