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Mitchell Hutchcraft

Nominated for the 21st Century Adventurer Award 2026

Stan Gaskell Blue Door Productions ©

Adventurer & conservationist

Mitchell Hutchcraft redefined the limits of athleticism with his extraordinary 'Sea to Summit' expedition. He realised his dream of climbing Mount Everest from sea level, tackling the challenge in several stages. First, he swam the English Channel. Then, he cycled through Eurasia for several months. Finally, he reached the summit of the highest mountain on Earth. The former Royal Marine uses his experiences to raise awareness of mental health issues, particularly among war veterans who often face hidden challenges. He also combines extreme challenges with social engagement. His goal is to inspire people to protect nature and show that anything is possible with courage, perseverance and the right attitude, regardless of background or circumstances.

Mitchell Hutchcraft's life has been defined by his relentless pursuit of adventure and courage, and his ability to achieve the seemingly impossible. Born and raised in the flatlands of England, he developed an early interest in adventure and wildlife, partly inspired by books about Mount Everest.

12,000 km to Summit expedition

Stan Gaskell Blue Door Productions ©
Stan Gaskell Blue Door Productions ©

After serving with the Royal Marines, he completed a 3,000-mile Atlantic crossing by rowboat in 2021 and cycled across the United States. Inspired by these accomplishments, he developed the ambitious "12,000 km to Summit" project, which would take him from sea level to the highest peak in the world via three different routes.

One autumn day in Dover, England, this project began with a 35-kilometer swim across the English Channel to Calais, France—one of the world's most challenging swimming routes. Next came a bike tour spanning 19 countries and lasting several months to India. There, he ran 875 kilometers to Kathmandu and then climbed Mount Everest. The entire journey took 236 days and required a combination of endurance, versatility, and mental strength. It is considered the longest triathlon ever completed.

Stan Gaskell Blue Door Productions ©
Stan Gaskell Blue Door Productions ©

However, Mitchell is much more than just an extreme athlete. The early death of his father motivated him to achieve his dreams and inspire others. Family, friends, and the memory of his father are the core values that ground and drive him. "I'm not a super athlete. I'm pretty normal—just an average runner and cyclist. I've had two knee operations. I wasn't fit for military service. It's 99% mindset and 1% body as long as the body is healthy."

It's 99% mindset and 1% body as long as the body is healthy.

Mitchell Hutchcraft

As a former Royal Marine, he now uses his experience to raise awareness of the importance of mental health—especially for war veterans, who often struggle with invisible issues. He uses his reach to support the non-profit organization SAVSIM, which uses animal-assisted therapy to help veterans with PTSD and mental health issues and introduces them to tasks such as nature conservation/wildlife protection on expeditions. These measures enable participants to recognize how fulfilling it can be to work for nature and its creatures.

Mitchell Hutchcraft also wants to share these values with others, encouraging them to question their limits and take responsibility for themselves, the environment, and society.

Use of the 21st Century Adventurer Award prize money

Mitchell Hutchcraft wants to use it to establish the LIMITLESS Foundation and to make his next adventure possible: the world’s first Sea to Summit Explorers Grand Slam.

Follow Mitchell Hutchcraft

Social Media channels

Instagram ↗ | LinkedIn ↗

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