ELITE MOUNTAINEER & TV STAR DIANETTE WELLS -EMBODYING RESILIENCE & ENDURANCE
WRITTEN BY BRIDGETTA TOMARCHIO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISABELLE RUEN
Dianette Wells is not just an adventurer; she is a mom, grandmother, and inspiration, and she embodies the strength of human resilience and endurance. As one of the elite few to have climbed all Seven Summits—the highest peak on each of the world’s continents—Dianette has established herself among the world’s adventure athletes. Her recent memoir, "Another Step Up The Mountain," featuring a foreword by renowned television producer Mark Burnett, chronicles her remarkable journey through the realms of extreme sports, profound personal loss, and relentless personal growth.
Born into a life far from the rugged cliffs and chilling altitudes of the mountains she would later conquer Dianette’s early years gave little hint of the extraordinary path her life would take. However, her entry into mountaineering and adventure racing revealed a deep-seated passion and a knack for pushing the boundaries of possibility. Over the years, she has not only scaled the infamous peaks of Everest, Denali, and Kilimanjaro but has also immersed herself in the adrenaline-pumping world of Eco-Challenges and ultra marathons, competing in over 35 events worldwide.
Her narrative goes beyond thrilling escapades. It is a deeply personal account that navigates through her most vulnerable moments, especially the tragic loss of her son, Johnny. This pivotal event could have stopped her adventurous spirit, but instead, she used it as a catalyst to propel herself further, dedicating her pursuits to his memory and the causes he cared about. "Another Step Up The Mountain" is a story of how the human spirit can find a way to ascend from the depths of despair to new heights of emotional and physical fortitude.
Dianette's experience particularly resonates with women, demonstrating the powerful synergy of motherhood and professional passion. She expertly balances the nurturing of her family with the demands of her sport, all while navigating the challenges that come with being a woman in a male-dominated arena. Her ongoing commitment to adventure racing into her fifties serves as a strong inspiration to others, showing that age is just a number and the pursuit of passion knows no bounds. Her approach underlines that staying fit and adventurous beyond 50 is not only possible but can be a profoundly enriching way to live one's later years.
Through her book and her life, Dianette Wells invites others to join her in overcoming their personal mountains. She proves that with resilience, determination, and the right mindset, every individual has the potential to achieve great heights. Dianette’s approach to fitness, wellness, and mental health provides a blueprint for staying active and engaged regardless of life’s hurdles.