Mountains have the power to call us into their realms and there, left forever, are our friends whose great souls were longing for the heights. Do not forget the mountaineers who have not returned from the summits.

A review of summit day photographs will show that I was clothed in the latest, highest quality, high altitude gear, comparable, if not better, than that worn by the other members of our expedition.

I cannot say to be glad or not glad to be on Everest. It is my life. I have opportunity to be here, so I am here.

Mountains are not stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion.

How could the adventure seeker of today find satisfaction with the level of performance that was a standard set more than 40 years ago ?

This year my role is clear: I am a coach, a coach to sportsmen.

People respected my experience, they hire me, they pay me what I am worth to coach their team.