The Everest record-holder who faced life-or-death decisions – twice: Cathy O'Dowd S3:E4

Cathy O’Dowd made history as the first woman to summit both the North and South sides of Everest, but her journey to the top was anything but smooth. Facing life-or-death decisions, brutal storms, and the weight of expectation, she learned that success in the mountains isn’t just about strength – it’s about resilience, strategy and knowing when to push forward. In this episode, I talk to the South African adventurer about the highs and lows of her record-breaking ascents, navigating one of the deadliest disasters in mountaineering history, the pressure of media attention, and the moment a call from Nelson Mandela inspired her to keep going. From near defeat to ultimate triumph, Cathy shares what it truly takes to stand on top of the world. Follow Cathy on Instagram. If you want to tell us about your own superhuman adventures, message us at [e-mail]. Head to instagram.com/redbulladventure for more superhuman content.