O’DOWD REACHES SUMMIT

CATHY O’DOWD on Saturday made history when she became the first women to reach the summit of Mount Everest from both the northern and southern slopes. Deputy President Thabo Mbeki sent his congratulations to O’Dowd through a message on her satellite phone after she reached the summit early on Saturday. It is not know whether O’Dowd’s partner Ian Woodall was with her when she reached the summit at about 4am South African time. Strong winds made the northern slope particularly treacherous, but the slope had the advantage that it was visible for most of the climb. Weather conditions were believed to be very favourable.