Warren Macdonald has been a devoted mountain climber for as long as he can remember. The 36-year-old Australian is also an experienced bushwalker and committed environmentalist. In 1997, Macdonald set out to climb Mt. Bowen, the tallest peak off of Australia’s north Queensland coast. As he was climbing out of a remote gully, the section of rock he balanced on broke free, crashing down into the creek-bed with him underneath. His pelvis was fractured and his legs crushed.

Macdonald spent the next two days trapped under one ton of rock, while his companion hiked out for help. He almost drowned as the creek rose, flooding after a rainstorm.

Finally, following an incredible two-and-a-half hour rescue in near darkness, he was flown to Cairns Base Hospital where that night, both legs were amputated at mid-thigh.

Through sheer determination and the love for climbing, Macdonald returned to the mountains. Just ten months after his traumatic injury, he climbed Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain using a modified wheelchair and the seat of his pants. The following year he reached the summit of Tasmania’s Federation Peak after an epic four-week journey, walking on a specially-designed pair of prosthetic legs. The Australian Geographic Society recognized Macdonald with their Spirit of Adventure award in honor of his effort. A documentary film focusing on the climb entitled The Second Step won the Human Spirit award at the 2002 Mountain Film at Telluride Festival in Colorado.

Today he continues to scale new heights in Australia and throughout the world. In preparation for a world record climb of Kilimanjaro in Africa in September, Macdonald is leaving no rock unturned. He will come to the United States to have a new pair of custom mountain climbing legs constructed at Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Macdonald will arrive in the U.S. in June to begin the process of fabrication and fitting of the sport-specific prosthetic limbs.

Macdonald grew up in Melbourne’s west end, a true product of the burbs. His forays into the Australian bush, and extensive overseas travel eventually changed his perspective on life. His love of bushwalking and the natural world led him to become an ardent environmentalist. He received his calling with the opportunity for formal qualifications in the field of outdoor adventure guiding, recognizing that through giving people a wilderness experience, he might help foster a respect for the Earth in others. This remains one of his ongoing pursuits.

A man of many skills, Macdonald worked his way around the world as a painter, landscaper, technical officer, pipeline ranger, street-sweeper, bartender, demolition laborer, builder, plumber’s assistant, courier driver, furniture deliverer and roofer. He has been willing to tackle any job that would offer him the flexibility to keep traveling, and to continue exploring, not just the world, but the boundaries of his own existence.

Now 36 years of age, Macdonald is back in his Australian hometown of Melbourne. He works as a climbing instructor, motivational speaker, accomplished author, and adventurer in general. His first book, One Step Beyond, recalls the horror of his ordeal, which gradually turned to triumph as he overcame incredible adversity to experience once again the wild places he loves. One Step Beyond is now in its fourth printing having sold over 10,000 copies.

In his spare time Macdonald does not slow down. He likes to bushwalk, race his handcycle, kayak, and challenge himself in everything he does… always reaching for new heights.