Endeavor 8000:
The 14 Tallest Peaks
Ed Viesturs becomes first American to climb all 14 of the world's 8,000 meter peaks
"The idea of climbing all 14 of the 8000 meter peaks became a goal of mine in 1994. It was something I had thought about earlier but did not think it would be possible until then. At that time I had climbed Everest (twice), K-2, and Kangchenjunga all without the use of supplemental oxygen. I wanted to continue climbing more 8000ers but the reality of financing these expeditions was until then still out of my reach.
"Things began to change and by early 1994 I was consistently employed as an international Mountain Guide, had gained some name recognition, and had finally acquired a longterm sponsor-Mountain Hardwear. These factors gave me the confidence to go public with the idea of climbing the remaining 8000 meter peaks. I decided to call this project Endeavor 8000 to give it substance and a title for promotion.
"This has always been a personal goal regardless of notoriety, but I had to market and promote the idea to others to gain sponsorship opportunities. I would be true to my word and climb for myself, by my own rules and not be swayed by corporate or peer pressure. Since then I have chosen to work with companies that believe in what I do and how I do it and the relationships have been beneficial to all involved."
- Ed Viesturs
