Egyptian Athlete Rady Ahmed Chases a Guiness World Record in Portugal

Egyptian endurance athlete Rady Ahmed has made a project of chasing Guinness World Records up demanding mountains. His last attempt - and eventual success - took him to Mount Sinai earlier this year; his next will take him to Mount Pico, the dormant volcano that rises 2,351 metres above the Atlantic Ocean as Portugal’s highest peak. Located on the Azorean island that shares its name, the mountain will become the stage for Ahmed’s endurance challenge, one he hopes will set the record for the fastest ascent of Pico, a category that has yet to see an official Guinness World Record.

A well-known destination among climbers, Mount Pico requires visitors to register before beginning the ascent across its rugged volcanic landscape towards the final cone. For Ahmed, however, the climb represents more than a race against time. “It’s not only about climbing a mountain,” he explains. “It’s about pushing my boundaries in a new environment.”

The attempt will require a precise balance between speed and safety, as Ahmed navigates volcanic terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and the strict regulations governing ascents on the mountain. Beyond the record itself, his expeditions continue to challenge perceptions of what Egyptian athletes can achieve on an international stage.

We first sat down with Ahmed ahead of his Mount Sinai climb. Now, as he prepares for an even bigger challenge, we caught up with him once again to discuss the preparation, the pressure, and why the pursuit has become about more than breaking records.

Q: Having conquered Mount Sinai, you are now making a Guinness World Record attempt on Mount Pico in Portugal. What attracted you to Pico, and how is this challenge different from your previous record attempts?

Mount Pico represents a completely different type of challenge. Unlike Mount Sinai, it demands a higher level of technical preparation, adaptation to unpredictable weather, and performance at a much higher altitude. I wanted to push myself beyond what I had already achieved and step onto an international stage with a challenge. It's not just about climbing a mountain, it's about exploring my limits in a new environment while continuing my journey of turning ambitious ideas into reality.

Q: What are the biggest physical or logistical obstacles you expect to face during the climb?

The biggest challenge is balancing speed with safety. Mount Pico's volcanic terrain, steep sections, rapidly changing weather, and strict climbing regulations all require careful planning. Every detail, from training and pacing to equipment and logistics, plays a critical role in the attempt.

Q: Your challenges often carry a message beyond breaking records. This time, what do you hope your expedition says about Egyptian athletes on the global stage?

I hope this expedition shows that Egyptian athletes are capable of competing and succeeding beyond traditional sports. We have the talent, determination, and resilience to take on global challenges. I also want to shine a light on adventure sports, encouraging more people to discover activities like hiking, trail running, and mountaineering. These experiences build discipline, confidence, and a deeper connection with nature.

Q: Beyond the certificate itself, what legacy do you hope this achievement leaves behind for young Egyptians who dream of pursuing extreme sports or mountaineering?

The Guinness certificate is an important milestone, but it isn't the real goal. I want this achievement to prove that extraordinary dreams are possible when they're backed by preparation, consistency, and hard work. If one young Egyptian decides to pursue a challenge they once thought was impossible because they saw my journey, then the record will have achieved something far more meaningful than a place in the record books.