Former Russian paratrooper Rustam Nabiev has made mountaineering history by becoming the first person in the history of alpinism to summit Mount Everest (8,848.86m) using only his arms, without the use of his legs.
Nabiev reached the summit at 8:16 am Nepal Time on May 20, marking a groundbreaking achievement in adaptive mountaineering and endurance sports. He later shared the milestone on social media, dedicating the ascent to his followers and supporters around the world. “While there is life in you, fight! Fight to the end, please! It is worth it,” he wrote, describing the emotional significance of the achievement.
Life-Altering Accident and Remarkable Comeback
Rustam Nabiev lost both his legs in 2015 after a military barracks collapse. A former paratrooper, he rebuilt his life through extreme determination and eventually transitioned into high-altitude climbing, becoming one of the most recognized figures in adaptive alpinism. His Everest ascent now stands as the most technically and physically demanding achievement of his career, redefining possibilities in high-altitude climbing for athletes with disabilities.
Stepping Stones: From Mera Peak to Everest
The Everest summit was the highlight of Nabiev’s carefully planned Spring 2026 Himalayan campaign. Earlier in the season, he successfully climbed Mera Peak (6,470m) on April 22 as an acclimatization and preparation climb. The expedition was guided by Nepali mountaineer Ram Kaji Shrestha.
He later joined an Everest attempt organized under the Seven Summits Club expedition framework, with logistics coordinated by Seven Summit Adventure. Managing Director Mingma Gelu Sherpa had earlier confirmed his Everest expedition plan.
A Record of Extreme High-Altitude Achievements
Before his Everest success, Nabiev had already established a strong record in adaptive mountaineering. In 2021, he became the first double amputee to summit Manaslu (8,163m), reaching the top with the support of Sherpa guides from Imagine Nepal Treks. He also previously climbed Mount Elbrus and survived two clinical deaths following his 2015 accident, further underscoring his extraordinary recovery and resilience.
Standing Among Elite Adaptive Climbers
With this latest achievement, Rustam Nabiev joins a small but historic group of adaptive climbers who have reached the summit of Everest. His ascent places him alongside Nepali-British former Gurkha soldier Hari Budha Magar, who became the first double above-the-knee amputee to summit Everest in 2023.
A Defining Moment in Modern Mountaineering
Nabiev’s arm-only ascent of Everest is being hailed as one of the most extraordinary feats in modern mountaineering history, demonstrating the limits of human endurance, determination and adaptability in extreme environments. His journey from military tragedy to the summit of the world’s highest peak has added a powerful new chapter to the story of Himalayan climbing and adaptive sports worldwide.
