Story
Almost uniquely, Jornet dominates two sports -ski mountaineering in winter and trail running in summer. What is also remarkable about Jornet is that he is as equally accomplished across all distances, from short 1km vertical sprints, to mountain marathons to ultras up to 280km long.
Early 2014 Jornet was named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. He was among several explorers, climbers and adventure athletes shortlisted by the magazine for the prestigious honor, which is decided by public vote.
In 2012 Athletics Weekly argued that he was the ‘world’s best runner’, more impressive than Usain Bolt and Mo Farah. His list of wins is staggeringly impressive - see his website for a list of them - yet Jornet says that at heart, he is just a lover of the mountains. "I don't run for victory but to be in the mountains," he says.
"It's where I feel at home. When you are in the mountains, you feel that you are nothing and if you are nothing, you have everything to discover. I also love to race, to go fast and push myself - I am very competitive. But the day I stop winning, I'll still be in the mountains."
Besides trail running and ski-mountaineering Jornet is also an accomplished alpinist, with ambitions to set speed ascents on the highest mountains of Europe, the Americas, culminating with Mt Everest in 2015.
More info: www.summitsofmylife.com
FACTS
Name: Kilian Jornet
Sports: Trail running, ski mountaineering
Home Town: Chamonix, France
Website: http://www.kilianjornet.cat/