Jordan Romero, 14, who has climbed six of the continents’ highest mountains, including Mount Everest, has been named grand marshal for the 15th annual salute to Route 66 parade in Duarte, Calif., on Sept. 18, according to the Pasadena Star-News.
Jordan became interested in mountain climbing when he was 9.
When he wasn’t yet even 12, Jordan had already climbed five of the world’s highest peaks. His first mountain climb, at age 10, was Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa.
Next came Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia; Mt. Elbrus in Russia; Aconcagua in South America; Mt. McKinley in Alaska; and his latest 29,035 foot climb, Mt. Everest.
Jordan hiked for hours a day, spending anywhere from two weeks to two months climbing a mountain, he said.
“I really don’t like wasting time in life. Playing video games is wasting time,” Jordan said. “I want to live life to the fullest and I want to pass that down to kids.”
The next mountain for Jordan to conquer is Antarctica’s Vinson Massif (elevation 16,000 feet) in December. After that, he wants to climb the highest mountain in each state and give motivational speeches at schools.
Here’s Jordan during his Everest quest:
The folks who run the Route 66 parade have seemed to favor teenaged adventurers lately. Last year’s grand marshal was Zac Sunderland, who at 17 successfully sailed solo around the world.
The “Rockin’ and Rollin’ Down Route 66” parade will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 18, featuring classic cars and marching bands. After that will be the Duarte’s 53rd anniversary hometown picnic at Royal Oaks Park.