On the summit of Everest, I had a feeling of great satisfaction to be first there.

I think it all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for it.

I had a very strong desire to carry out adventures, but in those early days I didn't actually do any. I just dreamt about it.

Many people have been getting too casual about climbing Everest. I forecast a disaster many times.

While on top of Everest, I looked across the valley towards the great peak Makalu and mentally worked out a route about how it could be climbed. It showed me that even though I was standing on top of the world, it wasn't the end of everything. I was still looking beyond to other interesting challenges.

I was a dreamer when I was at high school and even primary school. I used to dream about doing adventurous things.

I think Himalayan climbers tend to mature fairly late. I think most of the successful Himalayan climbers have ranged from 28 to just over 40, really.