And if mountaineers were measured by this benchmark alone, Ueli Steck was the greatest in history. Advertisement Continue reading the main storyLike many of his more traditional athletic counterparts, Steck had his share of controversial moments. Advertisement Continue reading the main storyThe second blip in Steck’s career also occurred in the Himalayas. Advertisement Continue reading the main storyRepeating routes as quickly as possible or linking up multiple summits are specific undertakings. But his death is a reminder that those on the cutting edge are still subject to mountaineering’s oldest companion: tragedy.

Source: New York Times May 01, 2017 22:30 UTC