We were at 4600m in the Antarctic, it was -35°C with a 15 knot wind blowing, Yasuyuki was not an experienced mountaineer and now could now neither hear or see - but had been plodding on nonetheless.....if ever there was any doubt about his commitment to get up this mountain.....it flashed away, this guy was determind.....and we were going to the summit.....

Yasuyuki not only climbed Mount Vinson he also demonstrated that being unable to hear or speak in no way precludes the ability to enjoy simply being in this remarkable but harsh environment.

Perhaps his ascent will provide inspiration to others. Perhaps he will go on to be the first deaf climber to complete the 7 summits. Either way Yasuyuki is unlikely to forget his time under the magical spell that Antarctica casts on all it's lucky visitors.