**Young Sherpa Climbs to New Heights After Tragedy** In a remarkable achievement, Nima Rinji Sherpa, an 18-year-old mountaineer from Nepal, recently became the youngest climber to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks, known as the "8,000ers." His latest ascent of Mount Shishapangma, standing at 26,335 feet (8,027 meters), came after a year marked by personal loss and a commitment to honor his late mentor, Tenjen Lama Sherpa. Last fall, while preparing for his climb, Nima was struck by tragedy when avalanches on Mount Shishapangma claimed the lives of two climbers and their Sherpa guides, including Tenjen Lama Sherpa, a respected figure in the climbing community and a close friend to Nima. In the wake of this disaster, Nima chose to abandon his own climbing ambitions to assist in rescue efforts for other stranded climbers. Reflecting on the loss, Nima expressed his shock and sorrow during a recent interview from his home in Kathmandu. “He was the strongest guy I knew,” he said of Tenjen. However, he returned to the mountain this past week, carrying his mentor’s memory with him, and successfully reached the summit. Nima's achievement has been confirmed by Rakesh Gurung, head of the mountaineering division of Nepal’s Department of Tourism. His record-breaking climbs come at a time when he aims to elevate the recognition of Nepal’s ethnic Sherpas, who play crucial roles in the climbing industry yet often remain unsung heroes. “I have to show that we are as good as any foreign athletes,” he stated. Despite their vital contributions, Sherpas frequently receive less recognition and financial reward compared to foreign climbers. Nima hopes to change this narrative by establishing himself as an athlete in his own right. He comes from a family renowned for their mountaineering achievements, with his father being the youngest climber to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. Although Nima initially explored other interests, including photography and soccer, he ultimately returned to the family business of mountaineering, where he has faced challenges in gaining sponsorship and visibility. “My dream is very simple,” he shared. “It’s just to be one of the best athletes in mountaineering.” His journey to climb the 8,000ers began at age 16 and included summiting Mount Everest, among others. As he prepared for his final ascent of Shishapangma, he grappled with the memories of his mentor’s tragic death, acknowledging the inherent risks of mountaineering. Yet, he remained focused on safety and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of trust in high-stakes situations. As Nima Rinji Sherpa continues to break records and challenge perceptions, he embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication that defines the Sherpa community, striving to ensure their contributions to mountaineering are recognized and celebrated.