Russian former soldier Rustam Nabiev has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching the summit of Mount Everest using only his arms, despite losing both legs in a tragic accident more than a decade ago.
The 34-year-old lost his legs in 2015 after a military barracks collapse. Rather than allowing the incident to limit his ambitions, he focused on building strength and pursuing challenging goals. Over the years, he became known for taking on extreme physical challenges and inspiring people around the world.
On May 20, 2026, Nabiev successfully reached the top of Mount Everest at 8:16 a.m. local time. His achievement made history, as he is reported to be the first double amputee to climb the world’s highest mountain without using prosthetic legs.
During the difficult ascent, he relied entirely on his upper body strength, using his arms and ice axes to move across the mountain’s steep and icy terrain. The climb required months of preparation, determination, and endurance to overcome the extreme conditions found at high altitude.
This was not his first major mountaineering success. In 2021, Nabiev also climbed Mount Manaslu, one of the world’s highest peaks, demonstrating his commitment to pushing beyond physical limits.
Adding to the significance of the achievement, Nabiev reached the summit on his birthday. His journey attracted widespread attention online, with many people praising his resilience, courage, and determination.
After completing the challenging descent, he safely returned to Kathmandu before traveling back to Russia. His accomplishment has inspired countless people and serves as a powerful example of perseverance, showing that determination and hard work can help overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
