January 15

Maurice Herzog was born in Lyon in 1919 and developed a passion for mountaineering in the Alps.\nIn 1950, he led the French Annapurna expedition, achieving the first ascent of an 8000-meter peak.\nHis book Annapurna became one of the best-selling mountaineering accounts of all time.\nAfter his climbing career, Herzog served as France's Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports under President Pompidou.\nHe promoted outdoor education and international cooperation in sports.\nHerzog passed away in 2012, celebrated as a pioneer of high-altitude mountaineering.

George Lowe was a New Zealand-English mountaineer whose career spanned over six decades. He was selected as a key member of the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition alongside Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. He played an instrumental role in establishing high camps and fixing ropes on the South Col route. After Everest, he led multiple expeditions in the Himalayas, Alaska, and the Andes. His contributions to high-altitude climbing techniques influenced generations of mountaineers. Lowe was also known for his detailed expedition diaries and his advocacy for safe climbing practices.

Born in 1938, Ashraf Aman pursued a career in engineering while cultivating a passion for mountaineering. He took part in several notable Himalayan expeditions, showcasing endurance and technical skill at high altitudes. Aman's climbs helped to raise the profile of Pakistani mountaineering on the international stage. He became a mentor and advocate for safety standards, inspiring future generations of climbers. His dual expertise bridged technical innovation with exploration.

Born in 1939, Tony Bullimore built a reputation as a dedicated ocean sailor and adventurer. In 1997, his vessel overturned during a solo round-the-world race, and he endured days in an air pocket before being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Bullimore's calm leadership and survival skills captured global attention. Over his career, he competed in multiple blue-water yacht races, demonstrating resilience in the face of extreme conditions. His story remains an inspiring chapter in modern maritime adventure.

Pavle Kozjek was born in 1959 and became one of Slovenia’s most respected mountaineers and mountain photographers. He led and participated in expeditions across the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Andes, combining technical climbing achievements with a passion for visual storytelling. Kozjek’s photographs have been featured in mountaineering magazines and exhibitions, earning praise for their powerful depiction of high-altitude environments. He authored works highlighting the intersection of adventure and conservation in the world’s most remote regions. Tragically, Kozjek died in a climbing accident in 2008, cementing his legacy as both a daring alpinist and a gifted photographer.