Three years after becoming the youngest person to summit Yosemite’s El Capitan rock formation, 11-year-old Sam Evermore has just shattered another world record.
In an interview with “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir, the young climber and his father shared their triumphant journey to the top of one of the world’s most dangerous peaks, the Matterhorn.
The Colorado Springs native, alongside his father, Joe, successfully reached the summit of the Matterhorn over the weekend, standing proudly at nearly 15,000 feet with the American flag in hand.
The accomplishment wasn’t just about breaking records — it was about strengthening an already remarkable father-son bond.
“I’m hoping that my story inspires fathers and sons to get out and do something that seems impossible,” Joe Evermore told Muir from their basecamp.
The pair had been preparing for this moment for over a year, having to turn back their first attempt when they came within 1,000 feet of the summit due to dangerous weather conditions.
This time, accompanied by professional climbing guides and documented by a drone crew, they started their ascent at sunrise. Through snow and challenging terrain, they navigated the treacherous rocks of the iconic peak that stands between Switzerland and Italy.
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When asked about reaching the summit, Sam’s response was simple, but heartfelt: “It felt so good. We had been working on it for two years.”
The achievement comes with mixed emotions for the father-son duo.
“There’s part of it that was also a little sad,” Joe said. “Our relationship has really enjoyed spending all this time getting ready for this mountain, and when you get there, there’s this afterglow of getting it done, but it’s also kind of sad because the mission is accomplished.”
In the Evermore household, each of their boys (once they turn five) takes on one “colossal goal” each year.
“It has to be so big we work on it a little bit every day,” Joe said of training with his four children. “It’s got to be remarkable, something we can hang on the wall, and most importantly — you can’t die, so you have to do it safely.”
For parents looking to follow in their footsteps, Joe suggests starting smaller.
“Just be intentional with your kids,” Joe said. “Put together some kind of plan. It doesn’t have to be climbing mountains — it could be something like an annual parent-child road trip. The important thing is creating those bonds and helping our children become courageous adults.”
