Tyler Andrews, a 34-year-old American athlete, has achieved a remarkable feat by ascending Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, in a record time of 9 hours and 52 minutes. This accomplishment is particularly notable as Andrews undertook the climb with minimal provisions, carrying only one liter of water and without supplemental oxygen.
Andrews, who has established himself in the realm of fast ascents, is driven by the concept of FKT, or 'fastest known time.' This trend in mountaineering emphasizes speed over traditional climbing success, leading Andrews to push his physical limits. Despite not considering himself a technical climber, he has proven to be one of the fastest in the sport.
Previously known for his long-distance running achievements, including a marathon time of 2:15:52, Andrews transitioned to mountain climbing during the pandemic when opportunities for traditional racing diminished. He quickly began to set FKT records in South America, including notable ascents in the Andes.
His recent ascent of Manaslu, while record-breaking, was not without challenges. Andrews faced severe thirst and fatigue as he climbed, yet he persevered, counting his steps and focusing on short-term goals to reach the summit. This latest achievement follows his earlier record on Kilimanjaro and sets the stage for his future aspirations, including a potential record attempt on Mount Everest.