Göran Kropp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Göran Kropp
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Kropp in October 1995
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| Born |
Lars Olof Göran Kropp
11 December 1966 Jönköping, Sweden
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| Died | 30 September 2002 (aged 35) Vantage, Washington, U.S.
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| Occupation | Adventurer, mountaineer |
| Known for | Solo ascent of Mount Everest |
Lars Olof Göran Kropp (born December 11, 1966 – died September 30, 2002) was a famous Swedish adventurer and mountaineer. He was known for his amazing climbs. He was the first person from Scandinavia to climb Mount Everest without extra oxygen. On May 23, 1996, he reached the top of Everest all by himself. He did this without using oxygen tanks or help from Sherpa guides. What made his trip even more incredible was that he traveled to Everest from Sweden by bicycle and on foot!
Contents
Early Life and Training
Göran Kropp started his climbing adventures very young. In 1972, when he was just six years old, his father took him up Galdhøpiggen. This is the highest mountain in Norway and all of Scandinavia.
After finishing school, Göran joined the Swedish Parachute Rangers. This was a special military unit. He trained very hard there. During his time in the Rangers, he met Mats Dahlin, who would become his climbing partner.
Amazing Mountain Climbs
Göran Kropp climbed many tall and difficult mountains around the world.
First Major Peaks
In 1988, Göran went to climb his first big mountain. It was Lenin Peak, which is 7,134 meters (about 23,400 feet) high. This mountain is on the border of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Göran and his friends climbed it in a record-breaking 10 days.
In 1989, Göran wanted to climb Cho Oyu. But he couldn't get permission. So, he went to South America instead. There, he climbed several other impressive mountains:
- Iliniza Sur (5,266 meters)
- Cotopaxi (5,897 meters)
- Illimani (6,300 meters)
- Huayna Potosi (6,088 meters)
- Illampu (6,520 meters)
Conquering Tough Mountains
In 1990, Göran and Danish climber Rafael Jensen climbed Muztagh Tower. This mountain is 7,273 meters (about 23,860 feet) high in Pakistan. It's known as one of the hardest 7,000-meter mountains in the Himalayas. Their climb was only the fourth time anyone had reached its summit.
In 1991, Göran climbed Pik Pobeda in eastern Kyrgyzstan. This mountain is 7,439 meters (about 24,400 feet) tall. He tried to reach the top with Mats Dahlin. But Mats had to stop because he felt sick. Göran kept going and reached the summit, even though he had a bad headache.
Facing Challenges on Cho Oyu
In 1992, Göran finally got permission to climb Cho Oyu. To get ready, he trained with Mats Dahlin in Chamonix, France. While they were climbing Aiguille Verte, a rock fell and hit Mats. Sadly, Mats died from the accident.
Göran decided to continue his climb of Cho Oyu. He believed Mats would have wanted him to. He drove his car all the way to Nepal. When he reached the top of Cho Oyu, Göran placed Mats's ice axe there. The axe had a picture of Mats pointing towards Mount Everest.
The K2 Expedition
In 1993, Göran went back to the Karakoram mountain range. This time, he wanted to climb K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. He originally planned to join a Swedish team. But he realized he could be the first Swede and Scandinavian to summit K2 if he climbed earlier. So, he joined a Slovenian team instead.
However, the Slovenian climbers decided not to include him in their plans. Göran then teamed up with David Sharman from England. David hoped to be the first Englishman to climb K2 and come down safely.
During the Slovenian team's attempt to reach the top, a big storm hit. Many climbers got stuck high on the mountain. Göran stopped his own climb to help rescue them. A week later, he tried again with David Sharman. But David fell, broke his leg, and had to go back down. Göran continued climbing alone. He reached the peak without using extra oxygen. On his way down, another storm trapped him at 8,000 meters (about 26,200 feet). But Göran managed to make it back to base camp.
After this amazing climb, many news reporters wanted to talk to Göran. He then started his own company, Kropp & Adventure AB.
In 1994, he returned to Karakoram with other climbers. Their goal was Broad Peak. They wanted to climb a new, very difficult route. They didn't succeed on that route. So, they tried the usual path to the summit. Göran reached the main summit after a fast, solo climb.
The Mount Everest Adventure
Göran Kropp's most famous adventure was his trip to Mount Everest in 1996. He left Stockholm, Sweden, on October 16, 1995. He rode a special bicycle that carried 108 kilograms (about 238 pounds) of gear and food. He cycled about 8,000 miles (12,875 kilometers) to get there! He arrived at Everest Base Camp in April 1996.
After meeting with other climbing teams, Göran was chosen to try for the summit first. On May 3, he climbed through deep snow. He reached Everest's South Summit, which is very close to the top. But he decided to turn back. It was getting too late in the day, and he would have to come down in the dark.
While Göran was resting at base camp, a terrible event happened. This was the 1996 Everest Disaster, where several climbers died. Göran helped by bringing medicine up the mountain to help others.
Three weeks later, on May 23, he tried to climb Everest again. This time, he made it to the very top! He reached the summit without any extra oxygen. After his successful climb, he cycled part of the way back home.
Göran returned to Everest in 1999 with his girlfriend, Renata Chlumska. They went to help clean up the mountain. They removed 25 old oxygen canisters. They also successfully climbed to the summit together.
Later Life and Racing
Göran Kropp also enjoyed car racing. He drove in the Swedish and Nordic Formula Three series for a few seasons. His last race was in 2000. Göran loved fast sports cars like Ferraris and Maseratis. He even helped develop a special Ferrari F355 race car.
His Death
On September 30, 2002, Göran Kropp died in an accident. He was climbing a route called "Air Guitar" in Vantage, Washington, U.S. He fell 18 meters (60 feet) and suffered head injuries.
A Lasting Tribute
At the climbing spot where Göran died, his climbing friend Erden Eruç carved a special message into the rock:
- With a thumb up
- Kropp on Top!
- Göran lives
- 1966–2002
