Junko Tabei
1939–2016 · Japanese (Fukushima) · Modern Era
Known for: First woman to summit Everest and first woman to complete the Seven Summits—climbed through an avalanche and through chemotherapy
Tabei was a small (4'9"), determined woman who faced resistance from a culture expecting women to stay home. She founded the Ladies Climbing Club Japan in 1969. On Everest in 1975, she survived an avalanche that buried her camp, was dug out unconscious, and reached the summit 12 days later.
She became the first woman to climb the highest peak on all seven continents. Diagnosed with cancer in 2012, she continued climbing even during chemotherapy. She was humble, persistent, and deeply committed to environmental conservation.
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