Mogens Jensen is an asthmatic who defied all odds and went on to become an adventurer, professional mountaineer, a triathlete for the Danish National Team as well as a school teacher.

While he was a triathlete for the Danish National Team, Mogens consulted with a doctor regarding his severe breathing problems. It was then that he was diagnosed with asthma. Since then, Mogens Jensen has lived with his chronic condition. Refusing to succumb to the limitations of such a condition, he pushed against his boundaries in order to continue pursuing his goals and dreams. He was determined to set an example for others with his condition and break records.

With this inspirational pursuit in mind, Mogens Jensen made the trip from Denmark to Mount Everest’s basecamp by running and cycling a whopping distance of 11,500km through thirteen countries. He managed to complete this in just 100 days, something that had not been previously accomplished by anyone else. His first attempt to climb the formidable mountain was cut short when he caught frostbite. Since asthma did not hold him back, he would not allow this experience to do so either. In 2007, he made his second attempt and climbed to the summit, becoming the first asthmatic mountaineer to climb Mount Everest without supplementary oxygen.

During this in-depth interview, Mogens talks about the power of the mind, the importance of willpower and how this experience has driven him to help others climb their own proverbial mountains in their ascent to the top.