Steve Plain

A NEAR-FATAL INJURY proved the making of Steve. He broke his neck bodysurfing at Cottesloe Beach,

Perth, in 2014, and it was uncertain if he’d walk again.

From hospital, Steve determined he’d climb the highest peak on each continent – Vinson, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Carstensz, Elbrus, Denali and, of course, Everest – in four months. He completed the feat earlier this year in 117 days, breaking the previous world record (126 days) for the fastest ascent of all seven summits. Steve’s passion for mountaineering was born at age 16, when he climbed to Everest’s base camp. He drew inspiration from that to get up and move after his accident. His world record– breaking expedition, named Project 7in4, raised funds for Surf Lifesaving WA and SpinalCure Australia.