Scientist aims to be first Slovak woman to climb Everest

There is a saying that in life, everyone has their own Everest to overcome.

But for Lucia Janičová, a 37-year old Slovak scientist, the Everest she is planning to conquer is the real one.

Janičová, originally from Prešov, but who now lives in Great Britian with her nine-year daughter Adélka, is hoping to be the first Slovak woman to climb the 8,848 metre peak when she makes her attempt later this year.

But the climb is as much about sending a message to other women as it is about setting a record, she says.

“Climbing Everest is very symbolic for me,” said Janičová. “I want to inspire and motivate other women to be able to trust themselves more.”

Just eight years ago

Janičová began mountaineering eight years ago when a friend invited her to join a climbing group. She knew little about the sport and when she found herself at the bottom of a cliff, looking up, she was convinced her attempt to scale it would end in a fall.

But she climbed it without problems.