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Everest

The 1st woman to climb Everest from both south & north sides.

The 1st South African to climb Everest. 

ClipArt_quote_startCathy O’Dowd joins illustrious women in South Africa who are demonstrating that women have come into their own and are contributing to the many glories achieved by our nation.ClipArt_quote_end From a Resolution of the National Assembly of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, 30 May 1996.

South Col/1996/1st South Africans * North Ridge/1998-99 * East/Kangshung/2003

I have been on four expeditions to Everest, attempting the mountain from all three sides, have reached the summit twice.
In the spring of 1996 I was the ‘token woman’ on the 1st South African Everest Expedition, climbing from Nepal via the South Col and reaching the summit on 25 May 1996.
In the spring of 1998 I attempted the North Ridge route, via Tibet, stopping just four hours short of the summit to attempt to aid a dying American woman. In the spring of 1999 I returned to the North Ridge and this time reached the summit on 29 May 1999.
And in the spring of 2003 I attempted to climb a new route on the notorious east face of Everest, but finally allowed common sense to prevail and backed off.
Everest has opened many doors for me over the years and for that I will always remember it with great affection, despite all the dangers and difficulties, the traumas and controversies. But I’ve no intention of going back!

Cathy featured in an advert for Karrimor.

Posts about south col route / 1996 / 1st SA Everest expedition:


Best of the 1996 Everest expedition photographs

Posts about north ridge route / 1998 & 1999


Best of the 1998 & 1999 Everest north ridge expedition photographs

Posts about east/Kangshung face / 2003


Best of the 2003 Everest Kangshung expedition photographs

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