Climbing Mount Everest: Naperville teen aims to be youngest American woman to ascend mountain
18-year-old has already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Denali
NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- A teenager from Naperville hopes to become the youngest American woman to climb Mount Everest.
Lucy Westlake, 18, is getting ready to graduate from Naperville North High School - and climb the highest mountain in the world.
WATCH: Local teen aims to be youngest American woman to climb Everest, Part 1
"I started climbing because my family is very adventurous," Westlake said. "My life's mantra is 'limits are perceived,' so I love pushing myself to my very limit and discovering what my body and mind can do. So what better way to do it than climb the highest mountain in the world."
Westlake is hoping to break the American record as the youngest woman to climb Mount Everest and inspire other young girls to pursue their own adventures. The teen has already set records, becoming the youngest female to summit the 50 U.S. state highpoints last June.
WATCH: Local teen aims to be youngest American woman to climb Everest, Part 2
"I learned about this thing called highpointing, which is climbing to the highest mountain in a state - or the highest spot since some don't have mountains," Westlake said. "Me and my dad started to highpoint when I was 7. Ever since, we've been climbing together."
To prepare for her biggest challenge yet, Westlake just spent six weeks in Kenya training at altitude and working to bring safe water to people there.
"Another one of my passions that I discovered when I was 13, actually going to Africa to climb a mountain," Westlake said. "I also discovered my love and passion for helping to solve the world water and sanitation crisis. So now, whenever I have a chance, I like to go up on a mountain and hold a flag up, help any way I can."
She will be leaving for her climb later this week. The Everest expedition is expected to take 45 to 60 days, so she plans to join her high school graduation ceremony via Zoom.
