Age is just a number. How often do we hear this sentence from time to time yet we don't actually feel that way? More often than not, we let our age get in the way and this makes ourselves feel unable to take on daring tasks. However, there are strong and brave people who take their age to a whole new level. These people defy the odds and ignite motivation and inspiration in us.
On a rather chilly Thursday Morning on August 31st, Miura arrived at the peak at around 7:20 a.m. amid good weather and cold winds and expressed gratitude to those who had supported his endeavor. While the 3,776-meter Mt Fuji, the tallest peak in Japan, is a popular hiking destination, few nonagenarians attempt the climb.His triumph on Mt Fuji comes after struggles with his health.
In June 2020, Miura, then 87, was hospitalized for about eight months due to spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma -- when the nerves in the neck are compressed and cause paralysis of the hands and feet.
The alpinist, who in 2013 became the oldest person to conquer Mt Everest at age 80, aspired to climb Mt Fuji as a means of rehabilitation.
"Thanks to everyone, I was able to fulfill my wish of reaching the summit. It's wonderful," he said.
Some 40 students from Clark Memorial International High School, where Miura acts as honorary principal, greeted the alpinist at the top when he arrived. They joined him at the 9th station lodge the previous day and summited earlier.
"It made me realize that he's admired by so many people," said 18-year-old student Tomoya Sano, adding that he found the support Miura received particularly memorable.
Much of the three-day ascent consisted of him riding his wheelchair that was dragged by a rope. He suffers from an acute feeling of pins and needles in his legs when he moves his body. On Tuesday, Miura left the 5th station lodge with his son Gota, 54, and spent a night each at the 7th and 9th stations.
The alpinist is known for successfully skiing down Mt Fuji in 1966 using a parachute to slow his descent. In 2003, 2008, and 2013 -- at the ages 70, 75, and 80 -- Miura successfully reached the 8,848-meter summit of Mt Everest. The oldest person to have reached the summit of Mt Fuji is Teiichi Igarashi, who was 101 years and 10 months old when he achieved the feat in 1988, according to an association that certifies national records.
When we hear people going all out to pursue their dreams and conquer the impossible, we feel a strong sense of encouragement and newfound confidence. It's everyday Heroes' stories like this one that give me more reason to live life meaningfully. Heroes don't have to wear red capes and fly around to save anyone in peril. They just need to inspire us to go further. I believe that we should start looking up to strong and courageous people to help motivate ourselves and get through our daily humdrum routine.
Source: Japan Today
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