• Australian climber begins Everest ascent from sea level in bid for record
• Mental health cause tied to ambitious “sea-to-summit” challenge

Australian adventurer Oliver Foran (27) is undertaking an extraordinary expedition to reach the summit of Mount Everest after starting his journey at sea level in India, combining cycling and trekking across thousands of kilometres.

Foran is aiming to break the 67-day “sea-to-summit” world record, travelling from the Bay of Bengal coastline through India into Nepal before continuing his ascent toward the world’s highest peak.

The attempt is described as a rare and demanding challenge, forming part of a personal project linked to fundraising efforts for youth mental health services in Australia.

Foran said he had long dreamed of climbing Everest but wanted to approach it in a way that goes beyond the traditional route, noting that he spent around six months preparing through cycling, endurance training, and breathing exercises to adapt to high altitude.

He has previously climbed several peaks in Nepal, including Island Peak and Ama Dablam, and now hopes this will be his first ascent of a mountain above 8,000 metres.

The “sea-to-summit” concept dates back decades, with early pioneering expeditions inspiring later record attempts, while the current benchmark stands at 67 days.

According to his expedition team, relying solely on human effort makes the challenge significantly more demanding compared to modern guided climbs supported by logistics and equipment.

Foran draws motivation from personal experience, including the loss of his mother during his teenage years, an event he says reshaped his outlook and later inspired his involvement in mental health advocacy.

He is also working with a youth mental health initiative in Australia to raise funds for a dedicated support centre, framing the expedition as both a physical challenge and a broader awareness campaign.

Throughout the journey, the climber documents his progress on social media, sharing both difficulties and milestones as he continues his gradual ascent toward the top of the world.