Fifty years ago, Junko Tabei became the first woman to summit Everest – why do so few people know her story?

On May 4, 1975, the Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition team, led by Junko Tabei, was preparing to summit Mount Everest. After weeks at a high altitude, they had set up camp five at nearly 8,000m. However, an avalanche struck, burying several team members. Tabei, injured and trapped, was rescued by Sherpas. Despite her injuries, Tabei refused to leave the mountain and continued her ascent.

The Japanese team faced competition from a large Chinese team attempting to summit Everest from the Tibetan side. The Chinese team, led by Pan Duo, eventually retreated due to a climbing accident. This allowed Tabei and her team to make history by placing her on the summit on May 16, 1975, making her the first woman to reach the peak.

Tabei’s achievements were groundbreaking, especially in a male-dominated field. She later became the first woman to complete the “Seven Summits” challenge, climbing the highest peak on every continent. Despite her remarkable feats, Tabei’s legacy has not received widespread recognition, highlighting the challenges faced by women in mountaineering.

Tabei’s story emphasizes the importance of celebrating women’s achievements in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her bravery and determination paved the way for future generations of women mountaineers to challenge societal norms and push boundaries in the world of adventure sports.