Almost instantly, a powerful connection emerged. The region was already home to the remarkable journey of Sabrina Filzmoser, who is once again on an extraordinary adventure, the Forever Everest 2026 expedition, a symbolic and physical ascent from the lowest point of Nepal to the roof of the world.
Just a few weeks later, fate brought Sabrina and Timur together in Kathmandu. Kemmel himself was preparing for a formidable challenge: the ascent of Lobuche East, rising to 6,119 metres above sea level. Beyond the climb though, something even more meaningful awaited.
Their conversation soon turned to Everest Judo Club, the highest judo club in the world. What began as a project had become a lifeline for local youth. Questions followed naturally: How could more be done? What were the realities of life in such a remote region? How could young judoka be supported in their journey?
Among the stories shared was that of Priti, a young judoka who had made local history as the first female black belt in the region. Through Sabrina’s words, Timur discovered not only her achievement but also the daily challenges she and her teammates faced, including harsh living conditions, limited resources, a modest dojo and a fragile education system struggling against the weight of geography.
For Timur Kemmel, hearing this was enough. Determined to act, he embraced the opportunity to make a tangible difference. During his time in the Khumbu region, he visited the Sir Edmund Hillary School, where he offered meaningful support to the local judo community. His contribution was both practical and deeply symbolic: 15 judogi along with thermoses, blankets and backpacks; simple items, yet invaluable in such an environment.
Through this gesture, Timur Kemmel reminded us that the judo family is far more than a phrase. It is a living, breathing network of solidarity, where actions speak louder than words.
In the shadow of the world’s highest peaks, this is not a story about conquering mountains but about climbing them together. It is about giving young people the strength, dignity and opportunity to dream beyond their circumstances, guided by the values of judo.
In doing so, it proves that sometimes, the greatest heights we reach are not measured in metres, but in humanity.