We conquer mountain peaks

Never to stop on achieved, always go forward and conquer new peaks is the slogan of Akmal Amirkhanov, a fire protection systems engineer of the Medical Center Hospital of the President’s Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Being a non-professional athlete, he climbed several famous mountain peaks and took part in the IRONMAN 70.3 ASTANA Triathlon.
To conquer peaks requires purposefulness, physical and mental health as well as fortress of spirit. Akmal Amirkhanov believes that such sport as a mountaineering brings up all these qualities in a person.

- My love for the mountains began in the summer of 2020. During the quarantine, the borders were closed and I went into the mountains. Since then I have climbed Pioneer Peak (4031m), Amangeldy Peak (2 times, 3999m), Oktyabrenok Peak (3945m, 2 times), Khrischaty Peak (3950m), Mount Sinai (2285m, Egypt) and Komsomolets Peak (4204m, Kyrgyzstan)-, says Akmal. - Mountains are a hobby that has turned into something more. Now I plan to climb the 7,000m peak.

Like any serious matter, mountain climbing requires thorough preparation. Akmal Amirkhanov’s physical skills and endurance helped him at the IRONMAN 70.3 ASTANA international triathlon competitions (swimming 2km, cycling 90km, running 21km).

- The cycling turned out to be the most difficult stage for me, as I only started training a month and a half before the competition. So there is a lot to work on, - said Akmal. - I finished in 6 hours, 47 minutes. That is not a bad result for a first time in these kinds of competitions.
Akmal Amirkhanov has also participated in 3 full marathons (42km) and about 10 half-marathons (21km).
You do not need to be a professional athlete, says our hero, but keeping fit is good for your health, above all.