On May 24, 2021, 46-year-old Zhang Hong reached the top of Qomolangma, which made him the first blind person from Asia to conquer (征服) the world's highest mountain. Erik Weihenmayer and Andy Holzer made it in 2001 and 2017. They are the only three blind mountain climbers to have climbed Qomolangma. Before heading for Qomolangma, Zhang had climbed up three mountains above 6, 000 meters.
Born in Chongqing, Zhang became blind at the age of 21 due to glaucoma (青光眼). Both his father and uncle lost their sight because of the same disease, so Zhang knew exactly what life would be like for blind people from an early age. He lost hope. But luckily he was saved by his wife. "I felt so hopeless then. But my wife was always there and encouraged me. Without her by my side, I couldn't have pulled myself together, " Zhang recalled. Later, Zhang became a blind masseur (按摩师) and in 2012 he moved to Tibet.
In 2015, by accident, he heard of the blind American mountain climber Weihenmayer, who climbed Qomolangma. This gave him the idea of giving it a try. He then started to climb the mountains together with his guide. He did a lot of training such as rock climbing and walking on snow and ice.
Zhang also met many other mountain climbers from all over the world. They all encouraged him even though they spoke different languages. Zhang could feel their warmth through hugs or pats on his shoulder. Zhang said the climbing of Qomolangma taught him many things, including how to trust people.
"I can't see the world, but I want the world to see me, " Zhang said. "I`ve got so much energy from my family and friends. Now I'd like to share that energy with others and encourage other disabled people. "
