Spin: A Passenger to the Summit
May 6, 1997
By Liesl Clark
Spin, a crash test dummy that has traveled the globe, will be accompanying Pete Athans on his
journey to the summit of Everest. Pictured here, Spin has
traveled with many expeditions, but this will be his first try for the highest point on the
Earth. If successful, Spin will be the first crash test dummy ever to reach the summit
of Everest.
Like astronauts who take small mementos from the Earth with them to the moon, climbers often
take light-weight talismans to accompany them on their high-altitude journeys. Spin, who is
attached to the top of Pete Athans' backpack will have a rare view of the
Everest climb from his unique vantage point behind Pete's head. Explains Athans, "Spin and I have quite a bit in common. Aside from our wardrobe, we're both
kind of crash test dummies. And I have to admit, Spin's O2 sat is probably
better than mine."
Today, David Breashears, Ed Viesturs, Jangbu Sherpa, David Carter, and Pete Athans are all
resting at Camp II awaiting better weather conditions up high. Other teams are now also moving
into position at Camp II. The Canadian expedition has two climbers at Camp II, Sherpas for the
Malaysian team have been moving loads from Camp II to Camp III, and the Italian team has reached
Camp II's 21,300-foot mark.
Spin: A Passenger to the Summit
Like astronauts who take small mementos from the Earth with them to the moon, climbers often
take light-weight talismans to accompany them on their high-altitude journeys. Spin, who is
attached to the top of Pete Athans' backpack will have a rare view of the
Everest climb from his unique vantage point behind Pete's head. Explains Athans, "Spin and I have quite a bit in common. Aside from our wardrobe, we're both
kind of crash test dummies. And I have to admit, Spin's O2 sat is probably
better than mine."