British Ex-Military Team Summits Everest Using Xenon Gas

A British team of four climbers, including veterans and government minister Alistair Carns, successfully summited Mount Everest in just five days from their departure in London, using a novel acclimatization method involving Xenon gas and hypoxic training at home. This approach, which involved sleeping and exercising in low-oxygen environments prior to the climb, allowed them to bypass the traditional weeks-long acclimatization process on the mountain, potentially revolutionizing high-altitude mountaineering. The climbers used supplemental oxygen during the ascent and were supported by a Sherpa team, reaching the summit under windy but manageable conditions. Their expedition aimed to complete the round trip from London to Everest and back within seven days, raising funds for veterans' charities and children affected by conflict. While not breaking the speed record for the ascent itself, their rapid summit following pre-acclimatization demonstrates the potential of Xenon therapy to enhance safety and efficiency in high-altitude climbs. The success of this climb opens debate about the broader use of Xenon gas in mountaineering, though experts caution that further evidence is needed to confirm its effectiveness.