Story by Dawn Yip
Linda Tan, who is attempting to be Singapore's first woman to summit Mount Everest, has been diagnosed with a chest infection and has descended to Pangboche, a village about 1000m below Everest Base Camp.
In an email to friends and supporters, Linda wrote: "For the past few days, I have been experiencing shortness of breath, which is not uncommon at altitude – except that I should have acclimatised already. On my way up to Camp 2 from Base Camp, I was drowning in the lack of oxygen, and I made the call to turn back."
Speaking to Red Sports via satellite phone, Linda said it was "a difficult decision. But I felt it would be counterproductive to push on and get more sick." Upon her return to Base Camp, Linda was assessed by expedition doctors and diagnosed with a chest infection. She was prescribed antibiotics and subsequently descended to Pangboche "like a wounded martial arts exponent."
"The priority now is to get well," said Linda. She was nonetheless in good spirits, and said she was "amused at how tumultuous the journey has been," referring to the scheduling disruptions caused by China’s temporary closure of the Everest summit for the Olympic torch, and now her health condition.
Tay Chee Meng, a friend of Linda's and fellow mountaineer, said that Linda would have had the option of descending even further to speed up her recovery. That Linda stayed at Pangboche "means she is intent on pressing on," said Chee Meng. "I don't think she wants to go too far from Base Camp."
The summit closure may now turn out to be a blessing in disguise, giving Linda more time to recuperate and acclimatise before she makes her summit attempt. China has closed off the summit until 10 May, to allow the Olympic torch team clear passage.
Read Red Sports’ two-part interview with Linda Tan at these links:
The Red Sports Interview – Journey to Everest: Linda’s Story (Part 1)
The Red Sports Interview – Journey to Everest: Linda’s Story (Part 2)
Dear James,
Sorry for the late response – I just saw your comment! I’ll alert Linda’s main contact person to your message. In the meantime, look out for an update on Linda very soon. Red Sports just got off the phone with her a few hours ago.
If redsports can send this to Linda, this is what I have to say:
Dear Linda
Whatever outcome or obstacle that lies ahead, I know you are at the place that makes you happy. To do what you like best and be with people who have the same passion is already the best thing that can happen to a person.
Journey and end result is equally important to any goal chaser but remember to stop at some point to appreciate the surrounding and also others that are either infront or behind you. See & hear what Mt. Everest have to say to you cause it will bring you to IT so soon even before you knew it. All the very best and GOD BLESS.
Hi Linda!
Dropping a note of encouragement and well wishes! Good chest infection has cleared!
Agree with your fellow mountaineer, Chee Meng, that it takes a lot of courage to attempt the climb 🙂 Press on and may you return with a beaming smile of victory! Keeping you in prayers for safety and strength!
Colleague from Great Eastern Life (Advisor Alliance)
Kathleen