At just 13 years old, Moroccan climber Youssef Tazi has achieved a remarkable feat by scaling Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, on August 3, 2024. Elbrus, which rises 5,642 meters in the Russian Caucasus, is the second summit in Tazi’s quest to conquer the “Seven Summits,” the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.
Tazi, who was accompanied by his father Omar Tazi, completed the challenging ascent after six grueling days. The climb presented numerous obstacles, including extreme cold, high winds, steep slopes, and altitude sickness. Despite these difficulties, the duo successfully reached the summit, making Youssef Tazi the youngest Moroccan and African climber to achieve this.
“We are incredibly proud of Youssef’s achievement,” Omar Tazi told MAP. “In just 11 months, he has climbed three international peaks, driven by his passion, courage, and determination. Climbing Mount Elbrus marks another significant milestone in his Seven Summits Challenge.”
Omar Tazi shared that his son’s journey was inspired by American climber Jordan Romero, who, at the age of 13, became the youngest person to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 2010. Youssef Tazi, who began mountaineering at age four, has already climbed over 40 peaks in Morocco.
In August 2023, Tazi scaled Mount Ararat in Turkey, reaching 5,165 meters, making him the youngest Moroccan and Arab climber to surpass the 5,000-meter mark. He also conquered Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, in January at the age of 12.
The ascent of Elbrus is part of Tazi’s ambitious Seven Summits Challenge, with plans to climb Mount Everest within the next three to four years. Tazi expressed his pride and dedication, stating, “I am very happy and proud to raise the flag of Morocco and honor our country’s children and youth. I dedicate this achievement to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and all the Moroccan people.”
He also extended his gratitude to his family, especially his father, and to everyone who supported him in reaching this remarkable milestone.
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