Maltese Mountaineer Tops Everest

Malta’s Mountain Conqueror: A Maltese Mountaineer Tops Everest

Imagine standing at 8,848.86 meters above sea level, the world’s highest peak, with the thin air whipping around you and the vast, cloud-kissed scene stretching out as far as the eye can see. This was the reality for Maltese mountaineer, Alex Borg, on May 16th, 2022, as he became the first Maltese national to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

From Mdina’s Silent City to Everest’s Roof of the World

Borg’s journey began not on the icy slopes of the Himalayas, but in the ancient, fortified city of Mdina, where he grew up exploring the labyrinthine streets and dreaming of bigger adventures. The 37-year-old outdoor enthusiast has been climbing since his teens, but it was a trip to Nepal in 2018 that sparked the idea to conquer Everest.

“I saw Everest for the first time from a small aircraft window, and it was love at first sight,” Borg recalls. “I knew then that I had to stand on top of the world.”

Training in Malta’s Harshest Conditions

Borg’s preparation was grueling, taking advantage of Malta’s rugged terrain and harsh weather. He trained in the challenging conditions of the Dingli Cliffs and the remote valleys of Comino, building his strength and endurance for the monumental task ahead.

“Malta might be small, but it has its own challenges,” Borg says. “The wind, the heat, the steep climbs – they all helped prepare me for Everest.”

Borg also underwent rigorous high-altitude training in the Alps and Nepal, learning the intricacies of ice climbing, crevasse rescue, and altitude sickness management.

Summit Fever

After two months of climbing through the Khumbu Icefall, the Western Cwm, and the treacherous Khumbu Valley, Borg and his team reached Camp IV at the South Col. On May 16th, they set off for the summit at 9 pm, climbing through the night.

“It was brutal,” Borg admits. “The cold, the altitude, the never-ending climb. But with each step, I knew I was closer to my dream.”

At 6:30 am, after 11 hours of grueling ascent, Borg reached the summit. He planted the Maltese flag, took a photo with a small replica of the Mnajdra Temples, and made a call to his family back home.

“It was the proudest moment of my life,” he says. “I thought of everyone who had supported me, from my family and friends to the strangers who cheered me on. I was climbing for all of Malta.”

Back Home: A Hero’s Welcome

Borg returned to Malta on June 1st, greeted by a hero’s welcome at Malta International Airport. Thousands of Maltese lined the streets to cheer him on as he made his way to Valletta, where he was received by the Prime Minister and other dignitaries.

“It was overwhelming,” Borg says. “I never expected such a reception. It made all the hard work worth it.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Borg’s achievement has inspired a new generation of Maltese mountaineers. He hopes to use his experience to promote outdoor education and adventure tourism in Malta.

“Malta has so much to offer in terms of outdoor activities,” he says. “I want to help people discover our beautiful islands and challenge themselves, just as I challenged myself on Everest.”

Borg’s next challenge? He’s already set his sights on the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. But for now, he’s content to enjoy his homecoming and inspire others with his incredible feat.

“I’m just a regular guy from Malta who dared to dream big,” he says. “If I can climb Everest, then anything is possible.”