Sebastián 'Zuko' Carrasco conquers Kilimanjaro on his handbike
The 38-year-old Ecuadorian Paralympic mountaineer achieved his feat in less time than expected, as he planned to ascend on Friday the 13th or Saturday the 14th. He completed the African adventure at 06:30 this morning. He started the expedition in Tanzania on Saturday, September 7.
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, with an altitude of 5,882 meters.
Almost reaching the summit of #Kilimanjaro, we want to thank all the people who support us and are still waiting. Thank you for your good wishes, energy, and good vibes. You are a great support!! ------------ We are achieving it! . . @chevroletecuador @movistarec @biodimed @sportfix.ec @asporteyewear @plusultralineasaereas #movistaraventurateam #africa #Kilimanjaro #KiboHut #Tanzania #SebastianCarrasco #Movistar #Chevrolet #Ecuador #Handbike www.gofundme.com/summitKilimanjarohandbike
'Zuko' has two bikes, one with 4 wheels and the other with 3 wheels, both of which he operates with his hands. The four-wheel bike is adapted for steep parts of the mountain. During the ascent, they have had to face multiple repairs.
In his Facebook account, the Ecuadorian athlete said that his handbike, which he calls the Monster, returned on Sunday after facing a difficult climb throughout the journey. "It was like climbing a dry river with giant rocks," he said. His other bike, the Devil, also broke but was easily fixed.
Sebastián was a mountain guide before his accident in 2015 when he fell from a height of 10 meters. The cervical damage caused by the fall was very serious, and he spent three weeks in the hospital. After a demanding rehabilitation, he decided to return to the mountains. That's why, with different support, he has fulfilled another one of his dreams.
The historic ascent that began on September 7 is part of his project called One More Summit, an initiative that is part of the foundation he himself has created with the mission of allowing more people with disabilities to access adventure sports. (D)