SSgt Chris Proops (Int Corps) dislocated and fractured his shoulder in a motorcycle crash in May 2024, but this autumn became one of fewer than 200 Britons to have scaled Manaslu, an 8,163m-peak in Nepal.
His fitness journey began in January once he was fully healed and consisted of intense cardiovascular and strength training.
“I challenged myself to run 200km every month alongside weight and resistance exercises, and in May I did the 25km Snowdonia Ultra Trail event with other members of the Intelligence Corps,” he explained.
“I also did an intermittent hypoxia exposure programme at the Altitude Centre in London, as well as renting a machine to use at home.”
The method, which had previously helped the experienced climber prepare to take on Mera Peak and Mount Blanc, ensured his body was already partially accustomed to a low-oxygen environment.
Having sourced high-quality kit through army grants, the 37-year-old arrived in country in September and began acclimatisation training, including negotiating ice walls and crevasses.
The summit attempt itself – enabled by Elite Exped, the company founded by ex-special forces soldier and mountaineer Nimsdai Purja – saw Sgt Proops and sherpa Phuri climb some 3,000m from base camp to the peak in just over three days.
“The second day was incredibly hard – more than nine-and-a-half hours of relentless ascent,” said the NCO. “I adopted a ‘20 steps then rest’ mentality. Breaking it up made it more achievable.
“I summited Manaslu at 0526. The sun glimmering on the horizon, stars fading, clouds below – it was truly indescribable.”
Currently back on home soil, Sgt Proops has dedicated his climbing efforts to raising funds and awareness for suicide prevention helpline Shout 85258.
Follow him on Instagram via @chrisclimbs2022
