13-year old Jordan Romero became the youngest person every to summit Mount Everest (elevation 29,028 feet) on Saturday.  Jordan is from Big Bear, California.

Romero is an expert climber even at his young age. He has now climbed six of the most challenging seven summits in the world.  The only one that remains is the Vinson Massif in Antartica.

Romero, naturally had a self interest in climbing Everest, but he also wanted to use the fame and national attention to encourage America’s youth to get outdoors and become more active.

“Obese children are the future of America, the way things are going,” he said on April 9 in Kathmandu. “I am hoping to change that by doing what I do: climbing and motivational speaking.”

With a smile, he added: “I am doing this a little for myself, too, to do something big.”

The previous youngest climber to summit Everest was 16-year old Temba Tsheri of Nepal.

Congrats to Jordan on his remarkable accomplishment and good luck this December with the Vinson Massif.