The Doctor Behind a 3-Day Everest Ascent: What Her TEDx Talk Reveals About True High Performance

NATIONWIDE - JANUARY 2026 - (USAnews.com) Dr. Irina Zelenkova, Founder and CEO of OWNTOP, stands at the intersection of medicine, human performance, and sport innovation. In her groundbreaking TEDx talk, Dr. Zelenkova introduces a fresh perspective on high performance, sharing her extensive experience with Olympic athletes, astronauts, and extreme-environment explorers. Her message is clear: success is not about pushing harder, but about staying aligned with your values, health, and sense of self.

Dr. Zelenkova’s career is built on the power of hypoxia (altitude training) and how it transforms the human body. For over 18 years, she has worked at the forefront of sports medicine and performance science. Her method, the patented hypoxic preparation, helped make history when it enabled an ascent from sea level to Everest in just 3 days, 23 hours, and 7 minutes. This remarkable achievement speaks to her deep understanding of human limits and her ability to design personalized training systems for athletes, explorers, and adventurers worldwide.

In her TEDx talk, Dr. Zelenkova explores the delicate balance required to achieve high performance in extreme conditions. She emphasizes that true success comes from a blend of physical endurance, mental resilience, and inner harmony. For Dr. Zelenkova, the path to greatness is not about forceful effort but about understanding your body’s needs and recognizing the importance of rest, recovery, and emotional balance.

Her TEDx talk is not just for athletes or high performers it's for anyone looking to understand the true essence of success. "It’s about becoming the best version of yourself by learning how to adapt, how to face challenges, and how to listen to your body," Dr. Zelenkova says. This message, paired with her scientific expertise, inspires audiences to rethink what it truly takes to succeed, whether scaling a mountain or navigating life's daily challenges.

A prominent figure in the field of altitude training, Dr. Zelenkova’s credentials speak for themselves. She was recently named the Best Altitude Training Coach in the United States for 2025. This prestigious recognition came as a result of her innovation and contributions to the field of sports medicine, particularly in the science of hypoxia. Her work continues to reshape how we think about human potential, and her approach has led to impressive results across a range of disciplines, from Olympic Games to extreme expeditions.

Her methodology, OWNTOP, uses personalized altitude training programs to help individuals achieve extraordinary results in a safe and controlled manner. As a sports physician, hypoxia researcher, and adventurer herself, Dr. Zelenkova tailors each training plan to the individual, enabling them to push the boundaries of what they thought possible. Her approach focuses on optimizing health, balancing energy, and achieving peak performance without sacrificing personal well-being.

Dr. Zelenkova’s journey has been marked by both groundbreaking achievements and personal growth. She understands that reaching one's highest potential is a journey, not a sprint. “It’s not about how hard you push, but how well you understand yourself and your body’s needs,” she explains. This philosophy has earned her the trust of many high-level athletes and explorers who rely on her expertise to navigate the physical and mental demands of extreme environments.

Her TEDx talk, available here, is a testament to Dr. Zelenkova’s unwavering commitment to sharing her knowledge and empowering others to embrace their full potential. By highlighting her method’s success, the talk emphasizes the importance of creating a personalized approach to performance, whether in sport, business, or life.

As Dr. Zelenkova continues to push the boundaries of human performance, her work promises to inspire future generations of athletes and explorers. Whether you’re preparing for a personal challenge or aiming to redefine what success means in your life, her teachings offer valuable insights into the power of balance, self-awareness, and the pursuit of excellence.

To learn more about Dr. Zelenkova and her groundbreaking work in altitude training, visit her official website and explore her social media channels:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn 

Dr. Zelenkova’s vision is clear, true high performance is not just about the extremes of physical achievement, but about aligning mind, body, and spirit in harmony. She invites us all to embrace this new approach, which will undoubtedly change the way we define success.

Ready to unlock your potential? Watch Dr. Zelenkova's TEDx Talk and discover the power of balanced high performance. Explore more of her work on her official website and begin your own journey to greatness today.