Mandy Horvath, a remarkable bilateral amputee climber, is preparing to conquer the Space Needle in Seattle on May 8, an iconic feat that will not only break records but also serve a noble cause. With a total of 832 stairs to ascend, equating to 98 floors, the endeavour promises to be an extraordinary testament to her determination and spirit.
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Horvath, who has already set seven world records in climbing, articulated her motivations, saying, “I am just fortunate to have the mobility that I do, and I want to take advantage of that while I still can.” Her climb will not only mark her eighth world record but also commemorate the memory of her late friend and mentor, Sean Foley, the former executive producer of the television series “Naked and Afraid,” who lost his battle with brain cancer.
In preparation for the climb, Horvath conducted her own research and was curious whether anyone had previously undertaken the challenge of crawling up the Space Needle’s stairwell. While she found no definitive record of such an attempt, this inquiry rekindled her passion for challenging herself in new ways. Her previous climbing accomplishments have included Pikes Peak and Mount Kilimanjaro, which served as inspiration to take on this ambitious new target.
The Space Needle is well-known for hosting a charity event called Base 2 Space, allowing athletes to ascend in support of various causes. Although Horvath was initially unable to participate in the group climb due to safety considerations, she has received special permission to pursue her independent mission. Karen Olson, Chief Marketing and Operations Officer at the Space Needle, expressed her support, stating, “We’re honoured to host Mandy for this extraordinary stair climb and cheer her on every step of the way. Her story is a powerful reminder that limits are meant to be challenged.”
Through her ascent, Horvath seeks to raise awareness and funds for the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the American Brain Tumour Association. Her motivation is deeply personal; she aims to honour Sean Foley’s legacy while also helping those impacted by cancer. Reflecting on Foley’s influence in her life, Horvath shared, “He helped my life grow in such an exponential way,” emphasising his encouragement for her continued pursuit of climbing after her time on “Naked and Afraid.”
Horvath’s climb takes on additional significance as she strives to return to “Naked and Afraid,” where she completed a 21-day survival challenge – a feat that made her the first bilateral amputee to achieve such a milestone. Her ambition now is to tackle the show’s extended 40-day challenge, aptly dubbed ’40 days for Foley’. “They could call at any time, and I have to be ready to go,” she stated, showcasing her unwavering commitment to both her climbing and the essence of her friend’s fight.
Interestingly, although Horvath views the Space Needle climb as part of her training regimen for future challenges, she admits that she didn’t specifically train for this particular event. In fact, she has been diversifying her weight and strength in preparation, grappling with the inevitable challenges that come from climbing steep heights.
Joining her in this venture will be fellow “Naked and Afraid” cast member Tyler Dean Milligan, which adds a sense of camaraderie to the climb. To protect her hands during the ascent, Horvath will rely on her tried-and-tested 5.11 Tactical gloves, a reliable companion during all her climbs since she started in 2018. In a generous gesture, 5.11 Tactical responded to her upcoming challenge by donating £5,000 to both cancer research organisations she is supporting.
The essence of her climb transcends mere record-setting; it embodies a heartfelt reminder of the importance of cherishing friendships and advocating for meaningful causes. As Horvath poignantly stated, “Hold your friends and family close and don’t take it for granted.” In the face of personal loss, she finds strength in her mission, eager to contribute to essential cancer research through her extraordinary journey.
Mandy Horvath’s climb on May 8 promises to be a combination of grit, heart, and a resounding message of hope, making it a noteworthy event not only for climbing enthusiasts but for all those touched by cancer.