They Did it!!!
This just in… It’s official ! … Chris has reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro! This is wonderful news and we are so very excited. Today is a very, good day!
Congratulations to Chris Waddell & the One-Revolution team on a successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro!!!!
Photos, video and details to follow…
[---UPDATE---]
Here is the message we just received from Chris : “We summited today. Slept in the crater last night.” “Everyone’s asleep. Long day. At hotel tomorrow. Will catch you all up.”
118 comments118 Comments so far
Chris,
Congrats on your victory. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
Sabs
Congratulations!! What an incredibly exciting and hard-earned victory!
Dude, I always know you, is a amazing person, I’m very luck to have a friend like you,
The world will be a better place if everyone had the same respect for the others and “mother nature, like you have.
So, after all, that means I’m going to kiss your ass BEECH.
Marcello Duarte.
By do way, TEQUILA IS ON ME BEECH.
congratulations and thanks for the inspiration!
congrats to Chris and all the crew from everyone here at Resource Engineering Group, Inc. Can’t wait to see photos and hear how the “Big Wheels” did on the way down.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Never doubted you for a minute, you’re amazing! Can’t wait to see pics!
melissa
Great Job Chris! The family is so proud of you right now.
Congratulations to Chris and the team! What a journey, and what an accomplishment! We have been following along, and are all basking in your glory. Look forward to celebrating with you.
The Fredston-Hermann Family
Mzuka Chris!!! I´ve been exited to follow from your blog when impossible became possible. Just amazing but when you want something hard enough… I´m so happy for you. Congratulations!
Wow man, I can’t believe you did that. Amazing stuff!!! I can’t wait to see the pictures. Congratulations!!
Chris,
Bec and I are so excited, you just made a bad day great for me. We are inspired by all you do and your example is highlighted to all people I know and work with, especially the wounded warriors I serve with.
That’s how you roll…the torch you carry is mighty bright! Breaking barriers, breaking through and breaking free…Well done mate…mighty proud of the human spirit right now! Your JP Team
CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS!!! You and your team are amazing!! Can’t wait to see all the photos, video and hear all about your incredible journey! We are so happy for you!!
Now Emma will stop asking me every 5 minutes if you made it to the top!
Get some well deserved rest!
Amy, Brian, Hannah & Emma
congrats…. from all your PC, UT fans & friends.
what an inspirational accomplishment! you and your team help us all to believe in the human spirit, again.
sWitt aka: meanpony
I just heard a loud cheer in Park City. Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement!
Best,
Donna McAleer
CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS!!!! Cna’t wait to see the pictures and video. You are an inspiration to all.
Jackie, Janet and Samantha
Chris
We are so proud of you. We never doubted that you would make it!
Now time for a good rest. Cannot wait to see the pictures.
Love
Jack & Anna
Congratulations, I am so excited for you!!! Can’t wait to see the photos and videos.
Brenda
Chris YA DID IT!!!! Brings tears of happiness to our eyes to read that you made the summit. What a HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT! Cant wait to talk to you when you get home.
Beckner and Lisa
Chris, there are not enough words to describe how amazing and inspirational you are!
I’ve had goosebumps for an hour.
Our family is very lucky to have you in our lives. Jake and Alec are so psyched for you and can’t wait for you to come to their school.
Heartfelt congratulations on your incredible achievement!!
-Sandra
Chris, Chris and I are whooping it up for you! Amazing feat is such an understatement! You are tougher than John Wayne! Can’t wait to see the video… -Beth
I’ve followed your journey and have been amazed.
You do realize you have ruined my life though. Next time I ask my wife to bring me something she’ll say,
“If that guy can climb a mountain, you can change the channel on the TV yourself.”
Thanks man!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Rest well knowing you’ve accomplished something amazing and historic-you are the 1st!!!
The Lukrich Family
Congratulations on your achievement!!! We are so happy for you – and continued to be inspired.
Chris: Brother Rice Football coach, Al Fracassa, coined the following motto a few years ago: “Life’s battles don’t always go to a stronger or faster man, but to the man who thinks he can.”
Congratulations on this most remarkable achievement!!!!
Pleasant dreams to you, and all your team,
Carol, Art, Kurt and David
Unbelievable! Checking in hourly for updates all week – thinking of what is possible. Enjoy your incredible accomplishment!
Chris,
Congratulations!!! I had chills all over when I read the news. You deserve a lot of credit. Can’t wait to see the pictures. What an accomplishment!!
I just want to cry. How awesome are you on so many levels. The world is and will be so much better with you in it. Lots of love and admiration…congrats to the entire team.
WooHoo Waddell, so proud for you,your crew and for all of us, appreciation to all for what you do to shatter the stigma of disability, it’s only a word and you are being heard, now, kicking it out the door. Thanks you:) ahhh a shower, schweet!
Extraordinarily inspiring! Unreal. Gives me a jolt everytime I think of it and all that you have accomplished. A true example of setting goals and anything is possible. You are a true role model.
Enjoy the recovery! – The Fiedler Clan
Wow! Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment for you and your team. You are truly a rock star!
JE, Amanda and the Greene Girls
AMAZING!
What an amazing end to yet another chapter in your brilliant life. Glad that all the elements were aligned to have you stand BE atop yet another summit of life. Looking forward to more of the story – Doug and Mitra – Your JP+ Team
CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS ,
a safe trip down and rest well you really have accomplished something amazing.
the “old” Nyarady’s
Congratulations Chris,
You continue to motivate, inspire and educate the masses on so many levels. Thanks!!!
Scott and Haley
Wow! That’s fantastic! Congrats on your accomplishment and for inspiring all of us!
Woot Woot our friend. We have been on the edge of our seats the last few days. Congrats to you and the crew. Safe travels home!
Wow!! Pretty cool. Enjoy the view!!
Way to go, I can’t wait to talk to you about it and see the photo’s. You are an amazing person.
Chris,
You have proven again that you “follow no one”. It’s all yours.
When the time comes, enjoy the trip down, you have made your mark!
Team Nyarady
Hurray !!! We knew you’d do it. Safe descent. Talk to you when you recover. Have loved the “journey”‘ ; definitely some DRAMA. Love, Mom & Dad
Absolutely incredible! Congratulations on the amazing climb and thanks for letting us follow your journey.
Feels as good as a World Series Championship. On behalf of Red Sox’s Nation you have our thanks. You can wear number 9 any time.
Andre
Congrats, Chris!! We are all thrilled! Congrats to the whole team…proud of you Bob! Donna, Rich, Marco, Jenna, Sarah, & Stef.
Chris…..congratulations…..that doesn’t nearly begin to say it….
To those of us who are fortunate enough to know you, the triumph of your physical, mental and spritual will was inevitable….Kilimanjaro was but a mile marker.
Chris, you are blessed as a man….and as a teacher of men.
You challenged youreself so others might truly see the potential of the “disabled”…..we, as witnesses of your triumph, are now challenged to help unleash that potential……our ascent has just begun……thanks for showing us the first step.
Continued good health and spirit,
Ellen, Ethan, Asher, Zane and Wayne
Congratulations Chris on this extraordinary journey and accomplishment – !!
Chris,
Wow…..what heart! I’ve been following your journey every day,rooting for you. Well done!
Missy Foote
Middlebury Lacrosse
Excellent news! Way to go, and congrats! Here’s to safe travel home and momentum into the greater objective!
Congratulations Chris. What an amazing accomplishment! Looking forward to seeing the pictures…
I will never ever complain about how hard something is ever again.
congratulations and a safe descent for you and your party.
What’s next? You transcend inspiration.
Incredible Wad’s…but i had no doubt you could do it. But I am continually amazed by your achievements even if you make them look (or at least sound) easy. Congratulations!
Congratulations! Words cannot capture what you have accomplished. You are a true inspiration and I am so glad I found out about your journey.
Congrats Chris! What an amazing accomplishment!
What a feat to have accomplished. Congratulations. You are going to encourage others to follow their dreams. Every day we read the Blog, and through your words and photographs showed the determination, and hard work you have done over so many months to reach Kili. Congratulations….Congratulations…Congratulations!!!
Jambo Wadds,
In the days after your injury, I visited you in your Boston hotel room. I will never forget what you said to me that day- that it was a freak accident, but all you were going to do was look forward. No tears, no “why me?” sadness. Just courage. Resolve. Determination.
You have moved mountains, my friend. You are a mountain of a man. And you are one of my heroes.
HONGERA!
Chris, Congratulations!
“The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it”* BUT Somehow I think for you the comparison will, instead, be your proudest moment when you look back upon incredible accomplishments that I will bet you never even dreamed of in the beginning!!! *Sir James Barrie (1860-1937)
Truly Amazing
Congratulations Chris
Love,
Roni Sue, Brian, Matthew and Halia
hi dad and chris,
CONGRATULATIONS!good job!you did it!see you soon.
Good job,
Ellie Penney
Hey Chris
Mammoth mammoth effort. Well bloody done! Inspiring to say the very least. Congratulations.
Rachael Oakes-Ash
Wowie Zowie! Hot Diggity! Whoa Nelly! Holy Mowlee! Cowabunga Dude! Eeehaw! Far Out! What a feat! Waddell, you the man!
I know of you through my friend Scott Gillman and have been following this adventure since the inception of Kubwa in Crested Butte. He was not around much the week before you left. Kind of busy on a project. What a thrash that was, eh? You have a dandy crew! I’m soooo glad Kubwa made it up the hill and SOOOOO proud of YOU! I think we’re ALL craving the pics and videos, but I want to hear more about Kubwa, the BIG wheels, the brakes and the winch too.
I came right home from work and had two shots of Hornitos in celebration! I hope I can pour a couple for you some day! We’ll wash ‘em down with some Arrogant Bastard Ale matey!
Celebrate!
Victory is always possible for those who refuse to stop fighting.
Congratulations Chris and team!
Drew Wills
Chris,
Wayne Carlson turned me on to your journey. I’ve never seen you but I’ve seen Kilimanjaro (from a distance, at least). It is fantastic to know that you made it to the top! Congratulations.
Ed Sanson
well done.
we had a lot of faith in you guys.
all the best to each and eve of this amazing expedtion,
and of course to the engine…
amir & liness
( we’ve met at marangu hotel )
Wazzell – All of us at the PC IMFA send a heartfelt BOO-YAH. Can only reiterate what others have said – NEVER a doubt, ALWAYS the inspiration. Here’s to a toast to your accomplishments with a lovely Barolo upon your return.
SM
OK, so here’s the real toast to CW. Kelly and Meghan send their love and awe to you for attaining the goal that you set. We know that all the recipients of the chairs will lead much more productive and happy lives. How can THAT not be an incredible legacy of Mr. Waddell?! Sending love and a wishes for a safe return to Park City.
Thank you for showing us what the human will is capable of achieving.
truly amazing!!
Bruce Middleton
Chris and crew: You’re all amazing. The whole story makes me so proud of all of you and the awesome CBS News story was great. The fact that you didn’t lose hope and give up on getting to the top and had the courage, after trying for many hours, to get some help over 100 feet of boulders rather than turning around after so much work and being so close to the top, makes your journey even more real. . The whole journey, all your family and friends, all the support from all over the world, the porters, the guides and the camera crew that climbed with you and made it possible for us to be a part of it from home – it’s unbelievable. It’s hard not to get chills when reading the words of everyone who cares so much and has been touched by the message coming out of your incredible adventure.
Congratulations on your perseverance, Chris! And thanks for living your life to the max and inspiring those who you don’t even know with your legendary feat. Most sincerely, Krista Percival
Congrats from fans of yours here in Colorado!
Chris, you rock! Congrats!!
Yahoo!
Chris, I knew you could do it. You ‘da man. Have a fun ride down and we’ll talk when you’re back in town. peace, Dude
Oh yeah, by the way The Sox made the wild card spot.
Congrats Chris!! It was an awesome display of fortitude. Don’t forget the brakes going down hill.
Dear Chris,
We, members of the Association of Paraplegics in Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Europe), we congratulate you for a very important and a great feat.
You’re a hero!
Your courage is exceptional. We admire you.
Cordial greetings from Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Please send us some photos, to make text with photos and put it on our blog
http://osobesainvaliditetom.blogger.ba
Mirsad Djulbic, president of the Association of paraplegics, Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Chris, the message brought tears to my eyes – wow – you made it. Congratulations!!! Andreas
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G… this is what true determination and guts are about. I pray that every youngster in a wheelchair around the world gets to meet you through this journey and that their dreams grow bigger, better, more alive and more real.
I also pray that all the able bodied folk out there discover the beauty and luxury of unrestricted movement and get out and enjoy their lives so much more.
Charmane
Holy smokes, Chris, amazing. What a heart.
There once was a skier named Chris,
A bad accident left him amiss.
But, he never would stop
And went to the top,
Inspiring us to strive for our bliss!!
MAZEL TOV CHRIS!!!!
Great Work. You are an inspiration.
what an inspiration!!! woke up to the great news on kpcw this morning…brought tears to my eyes, a smile to my face and a warm feeling to my heart. you bring hope and inspiration and strength to so many! the world is a brighter place because of you! savour it all, enjoy the descent and congratulations!!!
Chris,
Way to go!! We’re all proud of you here in Park City! Way to persevere! Safe journeys home. Meeche & John
Absolutely incredible, you brought tears to our eyes, you are an inspiration to all who know you, and to all on the planet.
Chris, I am lucky enough to have seen Mt. Kilimanjaro but due to finances was not able to climb it. I climbed Mt Kenya instead. Having done that on two good legs I can only imagine how strong your Body and Mind must be. Well done on the climb as well as the idea, and putting the entire trip together. I have 3 boys and they have all been fascinated seeing the pictures.
Cheers
Graham
Chris, I hope you can feel all the hugs we’re sending you from PC. Yours is a story that will inspire others for generations to come.
Congratulations Chris – we are so proud to know you! It’s hard to appreciate the strength and perseverance that your climb took. We’ve learned from watching Kelly over the last three years that moving forward is the name of the game and attitude is everything. You are the epitome of that and such a great role model! Best of luck to you in the next phase and cheers for reaching your goal!
Love, Mary and Charlie
Thank You – Your accomplishment brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for your passion and perseverance! You are truly inspiring! We have tracked you every day and sent good vibes cheering you on. Have a safe journey down and all the way back to Utah! W-O-W
You are so freakin’ cool- i love it! Now come back to Midd and tell us this side of the story.
I am so impressed!
Way to go,
Lindsay Brush
You are amazing Chris – I was so happy to hear the news this morning on KPCW – I cheered out loud! It is a beautiful day here in Park City with a few inches of snow covering the red, orange & yellow leaves without a cloud in the sky. You inspire me and all those who are lucky to know you & those who don’t. Safe travels & relish the moment!!!!!!!!!!!
Sara Hutchinson
YOU ARE MY HERO! Thanks for raising the bar so high for people with disabilities…i mean, how are we supposed to top that! haha
Seriously though, thank you for raising awareness and doing it well!
Great Job,
Alana
Chris,
Wow! What an inspirational feat. The updates, film coverage and photos are gripping. Congratulations to you, and to Bob, Nate and your whole support team. Amazing…
Karl
Congratulations Chris!
You are truly inspirational.
I’m so proud and happy for you.
j
Janine Alfano
Chris – we’ve been thinking of you every day and just KNEW as impossible as this seemed, that you could and would summit Kilamanjaro. You own it my friend! Congratulations!!!! your fans at Athletes for Hope
congrats Chris, you made it. thats a fantastic achievement!!! Absolutely awesome
We are so excited! You made it to the top. Congratulations! You Rock!
Mrs. Bower’s 3rd grade class
Chris and team WOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!
“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. ”
~ Kahlil Gibran
You have brought new life to so many people through your honorable, noble, courageous spirits and journey!!
Safe travels on the way back too!!! xoxxo
Congrats Chris. You are beyond an Ironman and Olympic Athlete. Coming down must have been fun as well on the mountain bike.
Congrats
tony
Chris,
Way to go! You are truly an inspiration to us all!! I think skiing downhill is going to be a bore from now on, you can climb up the mountain at The Canyons any time you like!
Todd Burnette
Good Job climbing Mt Kilimanjaro! Sarah (4yrs old)
Chris
we are so happy for you !!1
congratulations
It was great to speak with you on the phone this AM. Get some rest and enjoy the rest of your stay in Tanzania. Mom & Dad
To you, my man. Can we see some more of those awesome photos?
Chris,
Thanks for hauling Bob M. up the mountain, and I hope that he didn’t slow you down too much.
We all took a great deal of inspiration from your efforts. It is an amazing accomplishment!
Pure beauty, joy and inspiration wrought from conscious, concerted effort… what a wonderful way that you have chosen to live your life. This is truly a landmark achievement, Chris. Thank you so much for sharing your open mind and open heart with the world. Congratulations to you and the entire team!
Chris, Congratulations to you and your team! The buzz is everywhere in town and I’m so excited for you!
Amazing!!! I knew you would do it. Congratulations, Chris, on an incredible journey, and for your wonderful wheelchair donations to locals — may others follow in your tracks!
Kari B.
Chris,
What an achievement – heartfelt congratulations on this amazing gig.
Best wishes from Germany.
The Michael E. Smith Middle School South Hadley, MA Technology classes say way to go!!!!!! You are a leader and a role model.
CONGRATULATIONS! You are amazing and quite an inspiration!
WOW!!!
You are truly an inspiration to us all.
Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment!
Have to post congratulations on this huge accomplishment. We are always your fans. The LoPiccolo family
Way to move a mountain! Congratulations on accomplishing such a tremendous feat; you and your team are amazing. I can’t wait to see and hear more.
Congrats!!!! We live in Mills’, Hayes’ and Ella’s neighborhood. You are really strong. How did you do this? Did you find any creatures? Write back
Chris
I passed by you en route to Marangu Gate on Sept 24th. Your achievement is breathtaking. I am forever humbled and in awe.
Chris you clearly Live Out Loud. Impressive in all aspects. Thanks for keeping hope alive for everyone. Clearly you embrace life, are thankful for such life and simple amaze.
Thank you Chris for gifting each one of us a healthy does of inspiration and belief that anything is possible!!! Your amazing journey has lit a fire of excitement to grab onto life and make the difference each of us is capable of. Much gratitude to you now and always!!
Congrats Chris! You probably don’t remember me, but I lived in Chapin dorm my freshman year at Deerfield where you were an RA. I’ve been following your adventures over the years. The achievements and accomplishments you’ve made in your life are truly inspiring. I’m thrilled to hear you made it to the summit.
Well done Chris, inspirational in so many many ways. When you get to Dublin, I’ll get you that pint I said I’d buy you, when we first met many years ago.
Hope you recover well from this and looking forward to hearing about your next challenge.