aspirant
n
~ (to/after/for sth) (fml 文) person who is ambitious (for fame, promotion, success, etc) 有抱负的人; 有进取心的人
an aspirant to the presidency 争当总统的人.
The early climbers were looking for the easiest way to the top, because the summit was the prize they sought, especially if it and never been attained before.