Before we met Atanas Skatov, the first climber in the world who managed to climb the highest peaks on the seven continents of the planet and 10 peaks over 8000 meters on a plant-based diet, many questions run through our heads because his achievements are beyond normal human capabilities.
Under his name are recorded achievements such as:
🌱 The world’s first vegan has completed the SEVEN CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONS project and climbs the highest peaks on the planet’s seven continents.
🌱 The world’s first vegan climbed a peak over 8,000 meters without the help of a sherpa and artificial oxygen.
With his achievements, Atanas Skatov wants to draw attention to the extremely pressing problems of our time – animal agriculture and the way it affects our planet.
He holds a master’s degree in plant protection and a doctorate in biological plant protection from Humboldt University in Berlin. He has worked in various institutes in Germany and Bulgaria.
A dreamer, a brave adventurer and an optimist, a man with a cause, he is real proof that there are no impossible things.
Atanas, how did it feel to be at one of the highest points on the planet, knowing that you were the first to climb the highest peaks of the seven continents on a plant-based diet?
The feeling of standing on any peak is wonderful, but to complete the project with “Seven summits” (the highest peaks of the seven continents) is a unique experience. Definitely, the last peak of my first project, climbing Denali Peak in Alaska, was the culmination of this project. Due to bad weather conditions, I had to wait 5 days in the last altitude camp. Only I climbed the top alone, without being part of an organized expedition and in alpine style. This made the experience even more emotional.
I do not climb the peaks aimlessly, but I have a mission – to show that all this can be achieved on a plant-based diet because in this way the environment is least polluted, animals are not killed and natural resources are least depleted.
What made you switch to a plant-based diet?
I switched to this way of eating to leave an as little harmful imprint on nature as possible and help preserve it. A plant-based diet requires a much smaller area of land than a diet based on animal products, and this is especially important now that the Earth’s population is growing rapidly. I also do not want to contribute to animal suffering, I believe that the killing of animals must stop.
You start mountaineering relatively late, how did you decide to start and what made you choose this sport?
Yes, in 2011 I left my good job in Germany and returned to Bulgaria – in my hometown of Sliven. I was 34 years old when I started playing sports. I think the decision was not just mine, it came from above. It was written.
I chose altitude mountaineering because this sport is extremely stressful for both physics and the psyche. It is very difficult and dangerous. I can’t recommend climbing 8,000 to anyone, but of course, if someone really wants to, then they should give it a try.
Did you have previous sports achievements or experience?
No, I had no previous experience, even as a hiker. I don’t even have acquaintances or friends who have been involved in this sport or mountaineering. I didn’t play sports, I only danced folk dances as a student.
You are completely self-taught, and there is no team of coaches, rehabilitators, and other specialists behind you. How did you prepare to conquer the peaks?
Yes, that’s right, I’m completely self-taught. Mountaineering is a solitary sport, in the mountains I am alone. I prepare and study mountaineering myself. Of course, you can never learn everything and be prepared for any situation. I always listen to my body and mind. This skill is especially important. No one can do it for you, you know best what is right for you. If someone wants to become a climber, there is only one way – be alone, listen carefully to the signals of your body and develop your intuition well!
What do you eat during the climbs?
With plant-based food. I have been on a plant-based diet for 8.5 years, and it is known for improved digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as accelerated recovery after strenuous intense sports activity.
Otherwise, there are special freeze-dried foods, many companies offer also such vegan food and I consume it. I also sometimes carry nuts and dried fruit.
Do you have other “secrets” with which you manage to realize these incredible achievements?
My secrets are persistence, hard work, and hard work again! Strong faith, clear vision, perseverance, dedication, humility, patience, self-sacrifice, and strong psyche.
Were there times when you wanted to give up and what motivates you to move on?
Yes, it happened to me that I wanted to give up, but the goal and the reasons why I do it gave me the motivation to move forward. Everything I do is for my personal cause, to draw people’s attention to the problems of animal agriculture, which contributes to unnecessary suffering, deforestation, pollution of the oceans, overuse of agricultural land and water resources on the planet, global warming … all things that affect humanity and our future on earth.
How many times have you felt that you are on the brink of life and death?
There have been many risky situations, but no shocking incidents.
How do you start your day?
With drinking water, eating fruit, and sports.
What exactly does your diet consist of?
My menu is rich in carbohydrates. I consume legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and large amounts of fruits and vegetables.
Tell us your favorite recipe.
I love hummus. Put boiled chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, parsley, spices in a blender and blend.
You have published 6 books in which you describe your preparation and ascents to all peaks over 8000 meters, tell us about some of your current projects and goals, what can we expect from you soon?
To complete my second project with the 14 eight thousand, there are 4 more peaks left. Extremely difficult and expensive. This year, due to the situation with Kovid-19, there are no expeditions, but I hope next year things will return to normal. I have to be physically and financially prepared to conduct the expeditions.
I have written 3 more books and I believe that soon they will see the light of day.
What are you doing right now?
I train, write books, spend time with my son Vasco and my family. I go with friends to the mountains, we ride a bike. I don’t have much free time, it’s all about my preparation.
What is your message to our readers?
Be kind, humble, and protect nature. Reconnect with her, she is our Mother!
Images: https://atanasskatov.com/
On the 5th of February 2021, Atanas lost his life while attempting to scale the Himalayan K2 peak.
Deep condolences to his family and his friends all over the world.
Rest in peace, Atanas, and a deep bow and respect to your courage and perseverance. You made the world a better place for all of us!
