Cathy O’Dowd

Who Is Cathy O’Dowd?

Cathy O’Dowd is a renowned climber and speaker, known for being the first woman to summit Mount Everest from both its north and south faces. In 1993, she achieved her first ascent via the southern route, becoming the first South African to reach the top. Three years later, she made history again by scaling the mountain from the northern side, securing a world record. Through her story, Cathy inspires and motivates audiences by sharing her experiences of leadership in extreme conditions, conveying values of resilience and teamwork.

What is her Background?

Cathy O’Dowd has always been passionate about climbing. While pursuing a master’s degree in Communication, she was selected to join the First South African Expedition to Everest, achieving in 1993 the milestone of becoming the first South African woman to summit the peak. Three years later, she reached the summit again, this time from the north side, a tougher challenge that cemented her global reputation. Although she attempted to forge a new route on Everest’s east face, she eventually abandoned the project due to difficult conditions. In her book *Just for the Love of It*, Cathy recounts her experiences and insights from Everest, focusing on overcoming challenges and the importance of teamwork. Today, Cathy continues climbing and engaging in adventure sports like skiing, while supporting charitable projects promoting female leadership and empowerment.