She participated in the first ascent of Gasherbrum III (7952m) in 1975. It was the highest first ascent by women. On October 16th, 1978, Wanda summited Mount Everest; exactly on the same day, the first Polish Pope in history was elected. This very impressive synchronicity was noticed by John Paul II, who was a passionate climber himself. He asked the next Polish expedition to Everest to leave a blessed rosary on top of Everest. So during the first winter ascent of Everest on February 17th, 1980 Krzysztof Wielicki and Leszek Cichy placed this rosary on the top.
Wanda Rutkiewicz also ascended Nanga Parbat in 1985, K2 in 1986, Shisha Pangma in 1987, Gasherbrum II in 1989, Gasherbrum I in 1990 and Cho Oyu and Annapurna I in 1991.
She died on Kangchenjunga, aged 49.
Here you can find a movie trailer about Polish women in high mountains.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1pbcEkHKIQ
No comments:
Post a Comment