Press Release
Students flying the HEC flag at 8201 metres!
Jouy-en-Josas, October 13th, 2006
Axel de la Forest Divonne and Thomas Grenier, both 24 years old, are two HEC students who
really have reached great heights. They have just returned from their incredible trek to Cho
Oyu, delighted to have had the opportunity to embark upon such a challenging expedition.
At an altitude of 8201 metres and situated not far from Mount Everest on the border between
Nepal and Tibet, the peak of Cho Oyu where they arrived on the1st October is the sixth
highest of its kind in the world.
Axel has linked the physically and mentally stimulating aspects of the experience to those he
expects to face in his professional future and every day life, highlighting the significance of
“making fast decisions, finding yourself face to face with yourself, dependent on your rope
companion…” Thomas was similarly excited to have been able to explore his own personal
limits; “to observe and analyse my reactions in precarious situations, where much is at stake
for my rope companion and as well as for myself.” The boys attained the peak after a 10 hour
climb that concluded 25 days of trekking. The photographs and videos now accessible online
show that they were fortunate enough to enjoy good weather conditions.
In a few days time, Axel and Thomas will be heading towards the next destination on their
itinerary : Latin America, and their project will continue until Christmas. They are making the
most of a 10 month period of travelling before settling into their respective professional lives.
And as Hervé Crès, HEC Associate Dean has commented:
"It is fantastic to see HEC students achieving and accomplishing such great feats. Axel and
Thomas have proved that they can push themselves to the limit, both in an academic and non
academic context"
Press Contact, HEC School of Management
Catherine Rousseau
 +33 1 39 67 94 23
  +33 1 39 67 94 46
rousseau@hec.fr
www.hec.edu