SEA TO SUMMIT

From Sea Level to The Summit of Mount Everest Under Human Power

World Record Complete

1150km
Cycling

180km
Trekking

8,849m
Altitude

50 Days
Duration

Phase 1: Cycling: India & Nepal

Starting at sea level in Digha, on the Bay of Bengal, I cycled 1,150 kilometres across India and Nepal, through 42 degree heat, relentless traffic, smog and steep terrain that tested me long before the mountains began. It was the first reminder that this expedition would not be won on Everest alone.

Phase 2: Trekking: Through The Himalayas

After reaching the Himalayan town of Bung and completing the cycling phase, I continued on foot deep into Makalu Barun National Park and the Khumbu region. The trekking phase covered 180 kilometres in total, following remote trails toward Mera Peak before the mountains became steeper, colder and more unforgiving.

Phase 3: Failed to Climb Mera Peak and Rerouted

Before Everest, we had to climb an acclimatisation peak to let our bodies adapt. When altitude sickness forced me to turn around on Mera Peak (6,189m), we retraced 75 kilometres, joined the traditional Everest Base Camp trail and rerouted to Lobuche East Peak (6,119m), keeping the expedition on track while acclimatisation continued with purpose.

Phase 4: Climb Mount Everest

After more than a month of human powered effort across two countries, Everest became the final objective. Being awake for multiple days brought exhaustion and delirium, but on 20/05/26 at 12:02pm, I successfully reached the summit, the physical endpoint and emotional centrepiece of everything this expedition stood for.

A smiling man wearing a bike helmet, sunglasses, a black shirt, and tattoos on his arms, outdoors in a lush green environment.

A man biking outdoors wearing a helmet, sunglasses, a face mask, gloves, and a long-sleeve shirt, pointing toward the camera.

A busy street scene with people riding bikes and motorcycles, and various other vehicles and pedestrians in the background, under a clear sky.

Cyclist adjusting a bike wheel for a group of onlookers outside near a colorful building and mural.

A busy street scene in an urban area with multiple people, bicycles, and a tuk-tuk. Flags and banners hang above the street, and buildings with small shops line the sides. A man wearing a helmet and sunglasses is riding a bicycle, while other pedestr

A man in cycling gear, helmet, sunglasses, and face covering riding a bicycle outdoors on a sunny day with green trees in the background.

Man riding a bicycle on a busy street, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, a face covering, and a sports watch, with shops and other cyclists in the background.

A man riding a bicycle on a dusty street in a rural or semi-urban area, wearing a helmet and face mask, with a person standing near a tractor on the side of the road, and flags flying in the background.

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How Can You Help?

Donate: Contribute directly to Climbing for Young Minds and ensure young people at the YouConnect Gym get the support they need.

Sponsor: Corporate partners making a difference will be acknowledged through the campaign and linked to youth-mental-health impact.

Share: Spread the word — repost Oliver’s journey, tag #ClimbingForYoungMinds, and help more people know they’re not alone.

Why It Matters

Many young people experience mental-health challenges, disconnection or stigma and don’t know where to turn.

Youturn is introducing The YouConnect Gym, a new model supporting youth aged 12-25. These spaces combine the benefits of a regular gym with comprehensive mental health services by qualified professionals. The first gym will open in Tewantin, with plans to expand, helping young people build resilience and connect.

Every step Oliver takes and every dollar raised, will directly fuel this Gym and the young lives it will support.