The Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, shared a unique and moving experience with her family as they climbed the highest peak of Mount Olympus, the legendary Mytikas, at 2,918 metres.
The climb took place in the past few days with the Ambassador sharing photos and thoughts from her trip on her personal Facebook page.
In her post, which was accompanied by impressive images of the family at the top of the mountain, she wrote:
“We climbed Mt Olympus! More than 2000 metres in vertical ascent* to reach the highest peak at 2,918m. The last bit involved actual rock climbing. And today, at the age of 48, I hereby declare my mountaineering days over!”
Her post concluded with a humorous message on the challenge of descending again, saying: “I should also note that we had to go back down which, in many places, was harder than the ascent!”
This symbolic ascent of the Ambassador was not only a family adventure, but also an act of deep connection with Greek nature and culture.
Olympus, known internationally as the mythical home of the Twelve Gods, is a significant place for Greek tourism, history and mythology.
The presence of Duncan and her family at the top of Greece’s most iconic mountain also sends a symbolic message of friendship and appreciation to the Greek people.
This is not the first time that she has actively participated in cultural or nature-loving activities in Greece, but the conquest of Mount Olympus was undoubtedly one of the most special.
She did not hide her excitement about the experience and, as she hinted, it was probably her last major mountaineering challenge – at least in the Greek mountains.
