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RIZAL, Philippines : Erik Weihenmayer, a blind American athlete, conquered the world's tallest peak in 2001.
During a recent visit to the Philippines, he spoke of how he overcame his disability and encouraged others to face their fears.
Erik became the first and only blind person to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest in 2001.
Just a year later, he completed a seven-year quest to climb the Seven Summits, the highest mountains in the seven continents.
He said: "Being blind is a factor in what you can do and what you can't do. But there are other ingredients that are more important - your drive, your focus, your determination, your preparation, your skill, and your team. All of those things are much more important than not being able to see."
Seven years after his extraordinary accomplishment, Erik continues to inspire others by encouraging them to welcome adversity and pursue their dreams.
James Lafferty, President, P&G Philippines, said: "When you're trying be the greatest of all time in your organisation, you will come up against adversity and there's no better person to teach you about adversity and overcoming obstacles than Erik Weihenmayer."
Leo Oracion, who is the first Filipino to reach the summit of Mt Everest, said: "Nothing is really impossible. If a blind man can do it, what more for us normal people with no disability? Everything is possible, as long as we keep (our) focus."
Erik admits that he was initially discouraged by his visual impairment. However, he has learned to value the constant struggle to go beyond his disability.
He said: "I think, if you ask people, 'If you could take a pill and you'll never have adversity ever again for the rest of your life, would you take it?', maybe some would.
"But maybe most people wouldn't, because they know that when they face adversity, they come away with a deeper understanding of their own potential, and life without adversity is a life of death."
Indeed, Erik's triumph showed that one does not need perfect eyesight to have an extraordinary vision.
At a time when our world is facing so much adversity, Erik serves as an inspiration for everybody to turn these obstacles into opportunities that will help one succeed in life. - CNA/ms
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