Joyce Azzam, the first Lebanese woman to climb the seven summits of the world, is now working to become the 4th woman in the world to compete Explorer’s Grand Slam by traversing the North and South Poles.
Because of the difficulties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lebanese champ’s newest accomplishment was delayed but not canceled.
In 2016, Azzam decided to take up the greatest challenge for explorers after passing the Challenge of the Seven Peaks on May 23rd, 2019.
By reaching the north and south poles, she will become the 4th woman in the world to make this achievement.
According to her recent interview with CNN, Joyce’s plans were put on hold due to COVID-19.
She was already preparing for her journey, which requires traveling 1,300 kilometers by latch with a payload of 120 kilograms.
But knowing our Lebanese champion, nothing could ever stop her. She is still preparing for her trip to the south pole as part of the Explorers Grand Slam challenge by continuing her physical exercises on the Lebanese mountains.
She told CNN: “After about two weeks have passed, I decided to complete the preparation as if I would go to the South Pole. I will not benefit if I stop, I will not benefit if I surround myself with negative thoughts, and I will not benefit if I am afraid of the unknown; the mountains have taught me to deal with the unknown day by day.”
The Explorers Grand Slam or Adventurers Grand Slam is an adventurers’ challenge to reach the North Pole, the South Pole, and all of the Seven Summits.
And if anyone is up to this challenge, it’s certainly the Lebanese Joyce Azzam.
Joyce grew up in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War; she’s also a fierce advocate of women and child’s rights.
She has already raised the Lebanese flag on 27 mountains around the world, all the while she was inspiring girls and women to challenge themselves and follow their dreams through her ‘Yes You Can’ initiative.
To this brave Lebanese woman, we say: keep doing spectacular things and keep making your country proud!
