The Seven Summits include Everest in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Vinson Massif in the South Pole, and Puncak Jaya in Oceania.
So far, only one man of Vietnamese descent named Khai Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American IT engineer in California, has successfully conquered the Seven Summits.
Céline Thanh Nha, from Ho Chi Minh City, has managed to conquer six of them, including Everest, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Vinson Massif, and Puncak Jaya.
In April this year, she will climb Denali to reach the goal of conquering the highest mountains across the seven continents.
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| Nguyen Thanh Nha presents herself as a professional mountaineer and a talented and assertive lawyer. Photo: Supplied |
Nha, now 37, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that she wanted to try many types of sports when she was young, but she never considered mountaineering. She focused on golf, a less demanding sport.
Her passion for mountaineering began when she worked as a lawyer for Malaysia’s Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS).
After returning to Vietnam, she started pursuing mountaineering as a sport. What started as curiosity has turned into a deep passion and a personal challenge for her.
Mountaineering has become a way for Nha to push herself out of her comfort zone and improve her physical and mental strength.
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| Mountaineering is similar to Nguyen Thanh Nha’s career as a lawyer: challenging and perilous. Photo: Supplied |
Nha sees many similarities between mountaineering and her job as a lawyer. Both require resilience, patience, discipline, and passion.
Her mountaineering journey started with a detailed plan. She sought advice from experienced trainers and athletes, such as Nguyen Mau Linh and Khoo Swee Chiow, who taught her essential mountaineering skills and helped her obtain certifications.
For each climb, Nha and her companions meticulously prepare by selecting the right gear, studying the terrain and weather conditions, and formulating rescue plans. They understand the risks involved and are ready to face any unforeseen circumstances.
Mountaineering is a challenging and adventurous sport that can be life-threatening. It requires at least one year of practice and perseverance.
Nha’s favorite quote, “I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end,” reflects her determination to overcome challenges.
According to Nha, modern society empowers women to pursue their passions and develop their potential. She encourages everyone to set goals without limits and bravely pursue their dreams.
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| Céline Thanh Nha during her mountaineering journey. Photo: Supplied |
Céline Thanh Nha, born in 1987, holds two master’s degrees in law from Sorbonne University and Paris-Panthéon-Assas University in France. You
She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Law at the University of Economics and Law, part of the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City.
Nha is a lawyer and the director of a law firm named Celigal Lawyers. She is also the chairwoman of the Yeti Capital investment fund.
In addition to mountaineering, Nha has a passion for reading, golfing, skiing, skydiving, formula racing, and helicopter flying.
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