Aussie Oliver to Attempt Record-Breaking Sea-to-Summit Everest Ascent
When the pain sets in — bleeding hands, cracked heels, blistered skin and exhaustion creeping in — Brisbane’s Oliver Foran knows exactly what he’ll lean on.
The memory of his late mother.
On April 1, the 26-year-old will begin an audacious attempt to set a new world record for the fastest human-powered journey from sea level to the summit of Mount Everest — not for recognition, but to raise money for youth mental health support.
The challenge will span more than 1,300 kilometres, beginning with a cycle from Bengal in India to Nepal, followed by a trek to Everest Base Camp and a full ascent of the mountain itself.
The current record stands at 67 days, set by South Korean climber Kim Chang-ho in 2013. Foran is aiming to complete the journey in just 60.
“I know there will be breaking points,” he said. “Physically and mentally.”
Those dark moments are familiar territory. At 16, Foran lost his mother to stage-four brain cancer — an experience he says shattered his world. Years of internalised grief followed, eventually pulling him into a prolonged mental health struggle.
It was only through community support that he found a way forward — a theme now central to his Everest attempt.
“This expedition is about showing people they’re not alone,” he said. “And that there are places to find support, even if you don’t have it around you right now.”
Foran has partnered with charity YouTurn and its Climbing for Young Minds initiative, raising funds to build free-access gyms across south-east Queensland. The facilities will double as informal mental health support spaces — designed to remove the intimidation often associated with clinical settings.
“Young people, especially young men, can find it hard to take that first step,” said YouTurn’s Chief of Operations, Nicholas Dwyer. “This gives them a place to belong before they even realise they’re accessing support.”
It’s the kind of service Foran wishes had existed when he needed it most.
“Going to the gym feels normal,” he said. “And the support is just there.”
He’s under no illusions about what lies ahead. The next three months will be consumed by punishing training, recovery, and preparation — testing not just his endurance, but his resilience.
And when motivation runs low, he already has a soundtrack ready.
“Madonna — Like a Prayer,” he said. “My mum would be proud.”
As Foran pushes his body to its limits, it’s her he’ll be thinking of — and the people he hopes this climb will help along the way.
