Elderly man breaks Everest record

KATHMANDU, Nepal, May 25 (UPI) -- A 77-year-old man set a record Sunday for being the oldest person to reach the summit of Nepal's Mount Everest, officials say.

Bahadur Sherchan of Nepal was healthy when he completed the record-setting climb early Sunday, a tourism ministry spokesman said.

"I have commenced the great mission with a great vision in a great (spring season) to fight against the mighty Mount Everest with my will-power of mind and clean energy of my heart," Sherchan said.

Thousands of people have rushed to Everest after climbing was temporarily barred amid security concerns for the relay of the Olympic torch, the BBC reported.

A record total of 86 climbers made it to the 29,035-foot summit Thursday.

The BBC said Appa Sherpa, 47, of Nepal, reached the top for the 18th time Thursday, setting a record for the most climbs by one person.