People You Need to Know: KILIAN JORNET

     Kilian Jornet in his mountain playground

It's hard to distinguish who the greatest endurance athlete in the world is. There are many different disciplines that the world's ultra-racers compete in as well over uniquely punishing terrain. They race over mountains, through snow, for extreme distances and against the clock. The punishing demands of ultra-racing is reflected by an elite community of athletes who defy conventional definitions of endurance and will.

And then there is Kilian Jornet.

This 25 year old Spainard has already conquered every notable endurance race his discipline has to offer, as well as shattering the record ascent times of some of the world's most dangerous peaks. Jornet's ability cannot be compared, same as his method. He will often run for over eight hours at high altitude and not eat any food or drink any water.

This New York Times article is an incredible glimpse into the life of an athlete you've likely never heard of. Kilian Jornet is both insightful and inspiring, now taking the power of his endurance as a personal challenge; setting records climbing and descending the world's best known peaks. 

Read the full story here (NYT article)