Atanas Georgiev Skatov (Bulgarian: Атанас Георгиев Скатов; 11 March 1978 – 5 February 2021) was a Bulgarian mountaineer, vegan and agronomist in plant protection.
Atanas Skatov | |
|---|---|
 Skatov, 23 May 2016, Summit Makalu, 8485m | |
| Born | 11 March 1978 |
| Died | 5 February 2021 (aged 42) |
| Years active | 2012–2021 |
| Known for |
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| Children | 1 |
| Website | atanasskatov |
Biography
Born in Sliven, Bulgaria, Skatov graduated in 2001 from the Agricultural University of Plovdiv and held a master's degree in plant protection. In February 2005, he received a doctoral degree in Agricultural Science[citation needed]. Skatov has since published scientific articles in Bulgaria and abroad.[1][2]
Skatov became a vegan in January 2012.[citation needed] He claimed that he had never been on a mountain until 2010 and had not been an active sports person before 2012.[3] However, he made history by becoming the first known person on a vegan diet to successfully climb the highest summits on six continents in less than two years, including four eight – thousanders in a week apiece. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the first Bulgarian climber to participate in four expeditions to climb multiple eight-thousanders in a single season.
In 2015, Skatov was awarded an “Honorary Citizen” of Sliven, Bulgaria.[4] In the same year, he also published his first book[5] and released his first documentary movie.[6] In 2019, Skatov was awarded the 2019 Green Person of Bulgaria.[7] At this time, he was also attempting to become the first known vegan to climb the 14 highest peaks on Earth, and had reportedly summitted 10 of them.[8]
Skatov died on 5 February 2021, aged 42, while descending from Camp 3 at K2 after an unsuccessful ascent.[9]
Mountaineering career
Skatov was self-educated in the subject of climbing and mountaineering. He did not conduct preliminary research on a given peak prior to the expedition, in order to feel the spirit of the pioneers who hadn't known what to expect while climbing[citation needed]. In May 2014, he claimed to have become the first known vegan to ascend Everest.[10][11] His attempt was later refuted, as he admitted to having consumed honey.[12]
Skatov is the first Bulgarian who climbed Mount Everest from the north and south ridges[citation needed], and in June 2017 he ascended Mount Denali in Alaska and became the first Bulgarian and the world's first vegan to successfully climb the Seven Summits.[13]
A list of Skatov's expeditions and results are below: