"Drake declined further comment, saying the family is not seeking attention for the boy's achievement.

Wow, there's actually hope for humanity. Was beginning to think ALL families of talented teens were seeking a television contract.

Not seeking attention but they guy has his own website, facebook page, book and t-shirt line? Sure you have to pay for it somehow but that seems an odd comment from them. I guess it's being done more from a personal challenge point of view rather than a charity or getting kids active type thing.

He must have had extremely good guides. I was curious who he used yet there seem to be no links on his website acknowledgeing them.

I heard it on the radio coming back from Christmas lunch. There was a very short satphone grab from his dad, Paul, and it actually made a point of acknowledging their guide, Scott Woolums. If the kid could get up Everest without using the top camp, I'm pretty sure Vinson wouldn't give him too much trouble

Woolums guides for Mountain Trip !

Here is a link that has a short resume of Scott Woolums

http://www.exploreyourplanet.com/guides/our_guides.htm

I just climbed with Scott on Carstensz. While he retains his company, Adventure International, he has linked up with Mountain Trip to run Everest and some of the 7 Summits. Scott has completed 3 circuits of all 7. I am 99% certain Jordan Romero went with Antarctica Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) who runs the show for Vinson. They operate the heavy jet that flies to Union Glacier camp, they run the base camp and run climbs and South Pole ski trips and some other things. They require you use a guide for Antarctica; not a good place to get stranded or lost!. I know Jordan, nice kid - not your typical 15 year-old. Proud for him.

-42 Expeditions to McKinley in Alaska, 30 summits, the current record!

OMG that is a lot of wasted time

There are plenty of 15 year old kids sitting around playing video games, experimenting with drugs or shoplifting. This kid gets off his butt to do the 7 Summits. Good on 'em.

Great accomplishment? Yes. Mature kid? Yes But what are the real motivation of the father and at what age would one say, "Jeez, that's just too young"? At what age would one say the parent/s are negligent? I know we had this debate back when he was going for Everest but I think it's sad. Right after Romero/Everest thing, parents of a young girl allowed her to try to sail solo across the Pacific. She was rescued. It will take a tragedy to open people's eyes to allowing very young kids to try these types of feats.

Sarah Simon wrote:There are plenty of 15 year old kids sitting around playing video games, experimenting with drugs or shoplifting.

Yeah, but ain't kids supposed to be REFLECTIONS of their own parents ??? Sorry, just saying that MIGHT be the reason.

Vitaliy M. wrote:

-42 Expeditions to McKinley in Alaska, 30 summits, the current record!

OMG that is a lot of wasted time

V, it's his job! In 2012 count your trips to the copy machine!

Alan, thanks for the correction! MT has a team a day behind. I just assumed Scott was leading them. Cheers!