- Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala’s #ClimbLikeAGirl Matterhorn challenge
In the world of mountaineering, where the line between fear and exhilaration is razor-thin, Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala stands as a testament to the power of determination and resilience. Jayanthi has shattered glass ceilings and scaled towering summits, carving her path with every ascent. Having secured her place in history as the first Sri Lankan to conquer Mount Everest, Jayanthi is now setting her sights on an even more audacious goal – the iconic Swiss peak Matterhorn.
On the cusp of another remarkable journey, Jayanthi’s excitement is palpable. “I want to push myself to do tougher and more complex climbs which utilise my diverse range of climbing skills,” she shared, her voice tinged with anticipation. The Matterhorn, with its majestic altitude of 4,478 metres (14,692 feet), is not just a mountain; it’s a formidable challenge that tests mountaineers’ endurance, skill, and determination. Straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, the Matterhorn’s rocky ridges and icy slopes are notorious for their technical difficulty. Climbing and descending over these treacherous terrains demand outstanding fitness and mastery over rock, ice, and mountaineering techniques.
The Matterhorn has an altitude of 4,478 metres
Jayanthi’s journey to the Matterhorn commences on 28 August, as she embarks on a daring adventure that will culminate on 15 September. Her climb is characterised by an astonishing breadth of experience, gained over two decades and spanning more than 10 countries. From the rugged landscapes of the Spanish Pyrenees and the lofty heights of the Argentinian Andes to the formidable Himalayas of Nepal and India, Jayanthi has left her footprints on some of the world’s most awe-inspiring peaks.
Two 28-day training programmes at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in India fortified Jayanthi’s technical prowess. Here, she honed her skills in rock and ice climbing, crevasse rescue, high-altitude first aid, and expedition planning. An acclaimed rock-climbing instructor certified by the Professional Climbing Guides Association in the USA, Jayanthi’s expertise is as solid as the mountains she conquers.
But Jayanthi’s journey extends beyond the mountains themselves. She’s a fervent advocate for women’s rights, her adventurous spirit melding seamlessly with her unyielding belief in smashing gender stereotypes. With unwavering conviction, she declared: “I am proud to say that I summited Everest ‘like a girl’ – there’s nothing wrong about that and nothing to be ashamed of.” Her theme for the Matterhorn challenge, #ClimbLikeAGirl, symbolises empowerment and challenges the skewed perceptions that often limit women’s potential in sports and other realms.
In her own words, Jayanthi outlined the gravity of the challenge ahead, “It’s a technical peak... I keep putting myself in spaces that are really scary.” Matterhorn’s unforgiving terrain demands proficiency in both rock and ice climbing, skills Jayanthi meticulously honed despite the absence of icy mountains in her native Sri Lanka. She reflects on her preparation, revealing: “In terms of prep, it was just a lot of strengthening and conditioning for my muscles.”
Equipment used by the mountaineer during climbs
Compared to the two-month journey of conquering Everest, Matterhorn’s ascent is swift, spanning only two days. Yet, the weeks of preparation leading up to it are monumental. The high altitudes will strip the air of oxygen, a challenge Jayanthi acknowledges with remarkable focus. Climbing two additional training peaks is part of her preparation strategy, building up her body’s tolerance to the thinning air.
At every step of her journey, Jayanthi’s family has been her anchor. Their unflagging support fortified her resolve, even in the face of scepticism. “So many people commented before I climbed Everest, saying why are you stressing your family out, why do you need to climb this mountain,” Jayanthi recalled. But her family’s unwavering encouragement and belief in her dreams propelled her forward.
As Jayanthi’s story continues to inspire, her journey serves as a beacon of hope for individuals striving to challenge societal norms and shatter limitations. From the summits of mountains to the hearts of those who follow her path, Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala’s #ClimbLikeAGirl Matterhorn Challenge echoes a resounding call for breaking barriers, embracing fear, and soaring to new heights.