Edmund Hillary

Edmund Hillary appeared on the BBC’s “Hardtalk” in June 1999 to discuss the triumphs and tragedy in his life. He recounted his historic ascent to Everest’s peak, expressed his discomfort with fame and honors, and spoke candidly about the grief caused by his wife’s death.

“I didn’t have the complete conviction that we were going be successful,” he said. “My feeling generally was that we would give it everything we had and if all went well we might reach the summit. I was very of the fact that very good expeditions had attempted the mountain and had got very high, but had not succeeded. I just had a feeling that if we kept going and did the right thing we might get there.”

Asked if he said a prayer during the final climb, Hillary said, “I think I have sort of deep feelings urging myself on. I’ve always had the feeling that if you’re in a difficult or dangerous situation, that doing a little praying, probably you’re chickening out on the deal. I think it’s up to you to make the decisions and carry on if you want to successfully reach the top.”

Additional Interviews With Edmund Hillary
Hillary spoke at length about his life and the factors that made him a success in a Nov. 16, 1991, interview with the American Academy of Achievement.

Hillary expressed his distaste for the commercialization of Everest in a 2003 interview with the BBC’s Michael Peschardt.

A 1974 interview with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage can be downloaded for $6.45.

To learn more about Edmund Hillary, read his profile on findingDulcinea.