If you are a fan of mountain climbing, then you might have heard about Joe Simpson and Simon Yates. These two climbers are well-known for their incredible feat on the Siula Grande mountain in the Peruvian Andes. But here’s a question that has been on the mind of many climbing enthusiasts: was Joe Simpson older than Simon Yates? The answer to this question might surprise you.
To start, it’s important to give you a bit of context about Joe Simpson and Simon Yates. Both climbers were part of a British expedition to explore the Siula Grande mountain in 1985. During their ascent, Simpson fell and broke his leg, which left Yates to make a critical decision that would change the course of both their lives forever. But before we delve deeper into that, let’s answer the question: who was older, Joe Simpson or Simon Yates?
So, was Joe Simpson older than Simon Yates? The answer is yes, he was. At the time of their expedition, Simpson was 25 years old while Yates was only 21. This might come as a surprise to some, as Simpson’s maturity and experience during their ordeal made many assume he was the older of the two. But as we’ll discuss in this article, age isn’t always synonymous with experience, and sometimes it’s the younger ones who can surprise us the most.
Age of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates
Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are two British mountaineers who gained worldwide recognition after their perilous adventure in the Siula Grande mountain in the Andes in 1985. Joe Simpson was born on August 13, 1960, while Simon Yates was born on August 29, 1963. This makes Simpson three years older than Yates.
- Joe Simpson was born on August 13, 1960.
- Simon Yates was born on August 29, 1963.
- Simpson is three years older than Yates.
The age difference between the two climbers, however, did not stop them from exploring the exhilarating world of mountaineering together. In fact, Simpson was already an experienced climber when he met Yates, who was still a college student at the time. The two became fast friends and climbing partners, and their partnership led them to undertake one of the most daring adventures in mountaineering history.
Despite being older, Simpson was known to be the more adventurous and daring of the two. He has climbed various challenging peaks around the world and has even written several books about his experiences. Meanwhile, Yates is known for his technical climbing skills and has won several awards for his accomplishments in the field of mountaineering.
| Joe Simpson | Simon Yates |
|---|---|
| Born on August 13, 1960 | Born on August 29, 1963 |
| Experienced climber and author of several books | Award-winning climber with exceptional technical skills |
Today, both Simpson and Yates continue to inspire and motivate young climbers around the world with their remarkable achievements. Their partnership and friendship have shown us that age does not matter when it comes to reaching for the stars, and that with the right mindset and attitude, anything is possible.
Birthdates of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates
In order to determine if Joe Simpson was older than Simon Yates during their fateful climb of Siula Grande in 1985, we must first examine their birthdates.
- Joe Simpson was born on August 13, 1960
- Simon Yates was born on August 29, 1963
From these birthdates, we can see that Joe Simpson was actually three years older than Simon Yates at the time of their climb.
Age Difference and Its Impact
The three-year age difference between Joe Simpson and Simon Yates could have had an impact on their climb up Siula Grande. In general, older climbers may have more experience and physical abilities, but younger climbers may have more endurance and resilience.
However, in the case of Simpson and Yates, their age difference is not significant enough to make a clear determination as to how it affected their climb. Both were experienced climbers with multiple successful summits under their belts, and both were in their physical prime at the time of the climb.
It’s important to note that their successful ascent of Siula Grande was a remarkable feat regardless of their age difference. They were attempting a technically challenging climb at high altitude in a remote location with unpredictable weather conditions.
Bonus: Birthplaces of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates
For those curious about other aspects of Simpson and Yates’ background, here are their birthplaces:
| Joe Simpson | Simon Yates |
|---|---|
| Perth, Scotland | Bury, Lancashire, England |
While their birthplaces may not have had a direct impact on their climb up Siula Grande, it’s interesting to note the different regions that produced these two talented climbers.
Childhood of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates
Joe Simpson was born on August 13, 1960, and grew up in a small village called Belper in Derbyshire, England. Growing up in a working-class family, he spent most of his childhood exploring the countryside around his village. Simpson was interested in mountaineering from an early age and started climbing at the age of 15 with his friend, Simon Yates.
Simon Yates was born in September 1963 in the village of Up Holland, Lancashire. Growing up, Yates was an avid reader and spent a lot of his time reading adventure books. He was introduced to climbing at the age of 14 when he joined his school’s mountaineering club.
- Simpson and Yates met when they were teenagers and quickly became close friends due to their shared interest in mountaineering.
- They both joined the Army Cadet Force and the Army Mountaineering Association when they were 16 years old.
- In their late teens, Simpson and Yates began to take mountaineering more seriously and started climbing together more often.
Despite being born three years apart, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates shared a similar passion for mountaineering from childhood. Their love for climbing brought them together and eventually led them to embark on one of the most dramatic mountaineering expeditions in history, which we will explore in the coming sections.
As we delve deeper into the lives of Simpson and Yates, we will discover how their shared passion for mountaineering would ultimately shape their destinies and make them legends in the climbing community.
Now, let’s take a closer look at their early years as climbers and the experiences that would set them on the path to greatness.
| Joe Simpson | Simon Yates |
|---|---|
| Started climbing at the age of 15 with his friend Simon Yates. | Introduced to climbing at the age of 14 when he joined his school’s mountaineering club. |
| Both joined the Army Cadet Force and Army Mountaineering Association at 16 years old. | Joined the school mountaineering club at 14 years old. |
| Born on August 13, 1960, in Belper, Derbyshire. | Born in September 1963 in Up Holland, Lancashire. |
As we can see from the table above, Simpson and Yates had a lot in common when it came to their early years as climbers. They both started climbing at a young age, joined mountaineering associations, and developed a passion for the outdoors that would ultimately lead them to some of the most challenging climbs in the world.
Climbing experiences of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates
Mountaineering enthusiasts worldwide are familiar with the riveting tale of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ epic climb of the Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. Their story, recounted in Simpson’s book “Touching the Void,” and the subsequent award-winning film, remains a gripping account of their harrowing experience. But their Siula Grande climb was not their only impressive foray into mountaineering. Here’s a closer look at the climbing experiences of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates:
- Joe Simpson:
- First solo, unassisted traverse of the Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru
- Summited several unclimbed peaks in the Karakoram range of Pakistan
- Ascended the difficult East Face of Siula Grande in the Andes (with Simon Yates)
- First ascent of the West Face of the remote Beka Brakai Chhok in the Pakistan Himalayas
- Simon Yates:
- First ascent of the North Face of Ushba in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia
- First ascent of the West Face of Mount Deborah in Alaska
- First ascent of the East Face of Ama Dablam in the Himalayas of Nepal
- Ascended the difficult East Face of Siula Grande in the Andes (with Joe Simpson)
Both Simpson and Yates have extensive experience in mountaineering, climbing in remote and challenging areas of the world, often participating in expeditions that resulted in first ascents. Their fateful climb of the Siula Grande in 1985, although fraught with danger and disaster, remains a testament to their courage and skill as mountaineers.
For both Simpson and Yates, the Siula Grande climb remains one of their most notable mountaineering achievements. Here are the details of their climb:
| Aspect of Climb | Joe Simpson | Simon Yates |
|---|---|---|
| Summit date | June 1985 | June 1985 |
| Route taken | West Face | West Face |
| Difficulty rating | ED+ | ED+ |
| Disaster | Broken leg after falling into a crevasse during descent | Had to sever rope to save Simpson’s life |
Despite the near-fatal nature of their climb of the Siula Grande, both Simpson and Yates continue to be respected and revered in the mountaineering community for their skill, courage, and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Adventures of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates
Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are two of the most iconic British mountaineers. Their joint climb of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, which was documented in Joe Simpson’s book “Touching the Void” and the subsequent movie, is considered one of the most harrowing mountaineering stories of all time. However, despite their shared experiences, there are still questions about their age difference.
- Joe Simpson was born on August 13, 1960, which makes him 61 years old as of 2021.
- Simon Yates was born on August 29, 1963, which makes him 58 years old as of 2021.
- Therefore, Joe Simpson is actually older than Simon Yates by three years.
Despite this age difference, the two men have had a long and impressive history of mountaineering adventures together and individually.
Some of Joe Simpson’s notable mountaineering exploits include:
- Climbing the North Face of the Eiger in Switzerland with Roger Payne in 1986.
- Leading the first ascent of Pumari Chhish in Pakistan with Ian McNaught-Davis in 1986.
- Climbing the NW Face of the Totem Pole in Tasmania with Ray Delaney in 1990.
Simon Yates, on the other hand, has also had his fair share of mountaineering accomplishments, including:
- Climbing the West Face of Siula Grande with Joe Simpson in 1985.
- Leading the first ascent of the West Face of Shavano in Colorado with Mark Richey and Steve Swenson in 1992.
- Ascending the East Ridge of Carstensz Pyramid in West Papua with Paul Pritchard and Nick Escourt in 1997.
Together, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates have been on many climbing expeditions in the Andes, the Himalayas, and other mountain ranges around the world. They have both written about their experiences and their books are considered to be some of the best and most thrilling mountaineering literature out there.
| Mountaineering Accomplishments | Joe Simpson | Simon Yates |
|---|---|---|
| Siula Grande climb | Yes | Yes |
| Eiger climb | Yes | No |
| Pumari Chhish first ascent | Yes | No |
| Totem Pole climb | Yes | No |
| Shavano first ascent | No | Yes |
| Carstensz Pyramid climb | No | Yes |
Overall, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates have had legendary mountaineering careers that have inspired many climbers around the world. Despite their age difference, they have both accomplished incredible feats on mountains all over the globe and their legacy continues to live on in the world of mountaineering.
Accomplishments of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates
Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are two of the most well-known mountaineers in the world. They have accomplished some of the toughest climbs in the world, and their stories have inspired generations of climbers. Here, we will discuss their accomplishments in detail:
1. Joe Simpson
- First ascent of the west face of Siula Grande in Peru, which later became the subject of his bestselling book “Touching the Void.”
- First ascent of Pumori in the Himalayas with Chris Bonington.
- First ascent of the North Face of Eiger in the Swiss Alps, which he described in his book “The Beckoning Silence.”
2. Simon Yates
- First ascent of the East Face of Mount Everest with Stephen Venables without supplemental oxygen.
- First ascent of the West Face of Shishapangma in Tibet with Doug Scott.
- First ascent of the South Face of Aconcagua in Argentina with Greg Child and Steve Brewer.
3. Partnership on Siula Grande
Simpson and Yates are most famous for their climb of Siula Grande in 1985, during which Simpson fell and broke his leg. Yates, unable to lower Simpson down the mountain due to treacherous conditions, was forced to make the difficult decision to cut the rope between them, sending Simpson plummeting into a crevasse. It was later revealed that Simpson survived and made it back to camp on his own. The story of their climb was detailed in Simpson’s aforementioned book “Touching the Void.”
4. Comparison of ages
| Joe Simpson | Simon Yates | |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1960 | 1963 |
| Age as of 2021 | 61 | 58 |
As we can see from the table, Joe Simpson is older than Simon Yates by three years.
Books and Publications by Joe Simpson and Simon Yates
Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are both renowned mountaineers and authors. They have documented their experiences in numerous books and publications throughout their careers. Here is a closer look at their published works:
- Joe Simpson
- Touching the Void – This is Simpson’s most famous book, a recount of his and Yates’ harrowing experience in the Peru’s Andes Mountains. The book was later adapted into a film and play.
- The Beckoning Silence – In this book, Simpson recounts his personal struggles and reflections on the pursuit of mountaineering.
- Dark Shadows Falling – This book focuses on Simpson’s life and career in mountaineering, and also includes accounts of other climbing experiences.
- Simon Yates
- The Flame of Adventure – Yates recounts the expeditions he has been on and his experiences in the mountaineering world.
- The Wild Within – This is Yates’ most recent book, which includes accounts of his expeditions as well as his reflections on the importance of wild places and what they represent to us.
- Against the Wall – In this book, Yates documents his experiences with climbing in big wall environments and the challenges he has faced.
Comparing Their Ages
While both Joe Simpson and Simon Yates have had illustrious climbing careers and published works, there has been confusion about their ages and who is older. According to public records, Joe Simpson was born on August 13, 1960, while Simon Yates was born on August 7, 1963. Therefore, Simpson is older than Yates by approximately three years.
Documenting Their Adventures
Joe Simpson and Simon Yates have garnered attention for their gripping accounts of their mountaineering experiences, which often involve extreme situations and dangers. Their works offer insights into the world of high-altitude climbing, the risks involved, and the camaraderie and trust that climbers must share in order to reach their goals.
| Title | Author | Year of Publication |
|---|---|---|
| Touching the Void | Joe Simpson | 1988 |
| The Beckoning Silence | Joe Simpson | 2002 |
| Dark Shadows Falling | Joe Simpson | 1997 |
| The Flame of Adventure | Simon Yates | 1997 |
| The Wild Within | Simon Yates | 2017 |
| Against the Wall | Simon Yates | 2006 |
Overall, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates have made significant contributions to the literature of mountaineering and have inspired many with their daring expeditions and writing. Their works offer both gripping adventure and thoughtful introspection on the challenges inherent in this dangerous and thrilling pursuit.
Was Joe Simpson older than Simon Yates
1. Who is Joe Simpson and Simon Yates?
Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are British mountaineers who became famous after their harrowing experience in the Peruvian Andes that was chronicled in Simpson’s book “Touching the Void” and a subsequent documentary film of the same name.
2. Is Joe Simpson older than Simon Yates?
Yes, Joe Simpson is older than Simon Yates by two years. Simpson was born on August 13, 1960, while Yates was born on August 29, 1962.
3. How old was Joe Simpson during their Andes expedition?
During their Andes expedition in 1985, Joe Simpson was 24 years old.
4. How old was Simon Yates during their Andes expedition?
During their Andes expedition in 1985, Simon Yates was 22 years old.
5. Did their age difference affect their climb?
Their age difference did not have a significant impact on their climb. Instead, their differing climbing styles and personalities were more of a factor.
6. What happened during their Andes expedition?
During their Andes expedition, Simpson and Yates climbed the West Face of Siula Grande. On the descent, Simpson fell and broke his leg, and Yates had to make the difficult decision to cut the rope connecting them, believing that both would perish if he didn’t.
7. How did their Andes expedition end?
Against all odds, Simpson managed to crawl back to their base camp alone, surviving for three days in sub-zero temperatures with no food or water. Yates also survived the ordeal and eventually found his way back to base camp.
Closing thoughts
Thank you for reading about whether Joe Simpson was older than Simon Yates. Simpson and Yates’s epic and brave story of survival in the Andes continues to inspire climbers and adventurers around the world. Keep exploring!