Friday, May 13, 2005
congrats to EV, his patience has paid off.
I'm not sure if his reputation has moved forward though, since 1996, when JK framed his absence as a guide as a contributing factor to the disaster(s).
I think his "quest" brought out the critics, who could cite a lack of publicity for the (non-American) climbers who followed Mr. Messner's tour de force--most of whom were a notch above Mr Viesturs in technical ability and daring.
There are certainly two sides to this story. One important point is that EV is alive. But another is that if EV's background were similar to Anatoli Boukreev's, he would have struggled to gain attention as a professional climber. Would he have played it "safe" in those circumstances? Or would he have pushed himself to make a mark in the climbing world thru new routes, speed records, winter ascents, etc.
In essence, this constitutes a personal accomplishment and only a footnote in the book of alpine ascents. Yet why should he be held to another standard besides the pursuit of his own goals?
I'm not sure if his reputation has moved forward though, since 1996, when JK framed his absence as a guide as a contributing factor to the disaster(s).
I think his "quest" brought out the critics, who could cite a lack of publicity for the (non-American) climbers who followed Mr. Messner's tour de force--most of whom were a notch above Mr Viesturs in technical ability and daring.
There are certainly two sides to this story. One important point is that EV is alive. But another is that if EV's background were similar to Anatoli Boukreev's, he would have struggled to gain attention as a professional climber. Would he have played it "safe" in those circumstances? Or would he have pushed himself to make a mark in the climbing world thru new routes, speed records, winter ascents, etc.
In essence, this constitutes a personal accomplishment and only a footnote in the book of alpine ascents. Yet why should he be held to another standard besides the pursuit of his own goals?
