Cory Richards Biography

Cory Richards is an American mountaineer, photographer, filmmaker, and author who is known for his high-altitude climbing achievements and his honest approach to mental health. Cory Richards was born in May 1981 in Boulder, Colorado to Court Richards who was a well-known mountaineer.

In 2011, Richards became the first American to reach an 8,000-meter peak in winter by successfully climbing Gasherbrum II in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. The team encountered a severe avalanche during their descent which he documented in the award-winning film Cold.

He was named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2012 for his harrowing experience.

In addition to his climbing achievements, Richards is a distinguished National Geographic Photographer Fellow and has worked on more than a dozen feature assignments for the magazine. His photography work takes him to the Himalayas and the Arctic and other parts of the world to document human experiences in extreme conditions.

In 2024, Richards published his memoir, The Color of Everything, which tells the story of his battles with bipolar disorder, addiction, and past traumas. The book provides an unapologetic examination of mental health issues and recovery while incorporating his photographs to enhance the narrative.

Since his retirement from climbing, Richards continues to motivate people across the globe through his public speaking events in which he discusses how to build resilience and how to combine adventure with mental health awareness.

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