Adventuring can be for the ordinary person with ordinary qualities, such as I regard myself.

Nobody climbs mountains for scientific reasons. Science is used to raise money for the expeditions, but you really climb for the hell of it.

I'm definitely a Queen supporter. She was great.

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

I started to become more active and when I was at Auckland Grammar I went for the first time to the mountains. I went to Ruapehu and for the first time I saw snow. I had never seen snow before and for 10 days the group of us had a marvellous time.

Everest you won't change, but I will get better...I will conquer you.

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.