For the past eight years, National Geographic has been rounding up the 10 greatest adventurers from around the globe.
The men and women selected this year are explorers, artists, humanitarians, and athletes who achieved incredible feats in 2012.
Their collective accomplishments include riding a 15-foot wave, winning the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc race for the fifth time, and climbing the 3,600-foot Southeast Ridge and the Cerro Torre peak.
You can also vote for your favorite explorer on National Geographic's website for the People's Choice Adventurer of the Year. The winner will be announced on January 16, 2013.
Felix Baumgartner, Austrian BASE Jumper
Felix Baumgartner recently made history when he jumped 24 miles from space to the Earth's surface. He's seen here about to jump from the capsule of the Red Bull Stratos during the final manned flight in Roswell, New Mexico, on October 14, 2012.
Photograph from the Red Bull Content Pool via National Geographic
Source: National Geographic
Josh Dueck, Canadian Skier
On February 3, 2012, Josh Dueck performed the world's first sit-ski back flip on a massive jump at Powder Mountain Catskiing outside of Whistler, British Columbia. Previously, he won a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Paralympics in the men's slalom sit-ski event.
Photographed byPaul Morrison via National Geographic
Source: National Geographic
Steve Fisher, South African Kayaker
Fisher and his team successfully kayaked the Congo River's 50-mile Inga Rapids. The first stretch took four days, but the team was prepared after spending three weeks training on Uganda’s White Nile.
Photographed by Greg von Doersten, Red Bull Content Pool via National Geographic
Source: National Geographic
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