Edmund Hillary, New Zealand mountaineer and explorer (b. 1919)

The Enduring Legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary: Mountaineer, Explorer, and Humanitarian

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary, born on 20 July 1919, was a towering figure from New Zealand, celebrated globally as a remarkable mountaineer, intrepid explorer, and compassionate philanthropist. His life, which spanned until 11 January 2008, was marked by extraordinary achievements that pushed the boundaries of human endurance and generosity.

The Historic Ascent of Mount Everest

Hillary's name is indelibly linked with one of the most significant feats in exploration history: the first confirmed ascent of Mount Everest. On 29 May 1953, at approximately 11:30 AM local time, Hillary and the legendary Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, a skilled climber from Nepal, successfully reached the summit of the world's highest peak. This monumental achievement made them the first climbers definitively known to have stood atop Chomolungma, as Everest is known in Tibetan, or Sagarmatha in Nepali. Their ascent was a pivotal moment of the ninth British expedition to Everest, a large-scale and meticulously planned undertaking led by Colonel John Hunt. This expedition involved hundreds of porters and multiple climbing teams, making Hillary and Norgay's success the culmination of years of global attempts and strategic planning.

A Distinguished Diplomat and Advocate

Beyond his climbing prowess, Sir Edmund Hillary also served his country with distinction in a diplomatic capacity. From 1985 to 1988, he held the esteemed position of New Zealand's High Commissioner to India and Bangladesh. Concurrently, he served as Ambassador to Nepal, a role that underscored his profound connection to the Himalayan nation and its people. His diplomatic service further cemented the strong ties between New Zealand and these vital South Asian countries.

From Early Passions to Global Expeditions

Hillary's deep interest in mountaineering blossomed during his secondary school years, particularly during trips to New Zealand's Southern Alps. His initial forays into serious climbing laid the groundwork for his later, more ambitious expeditions. In 1939, he achieved his first significant climb, successfully summiting Mount Ollivier, a prominent peak within the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. This early success solidified his dedication to the sport.

His life also included service during World War II, where he served as a navigator in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). While serving, he was wounded in a boating accident near Fiji, sustaining burns that highlighted his resilience in the face of adversity.

Prior to his Everest triumph, Hillary gained invaluable high-altitude experience. He participated in the British reconnaissance expedition to Mount Everest in 1951, which explored potential routes, and an unsuccessful but crucial attempt to climb Cho Oyu in 1952. These expeditions, though not culminating in a summit, provided essential insights into Himalayan climbing techniques, acclimatization, and logistical challenges, preparing him for the ultimate test.

Achieving the 'Three Poles Challenge'

Sir Edmund Hillary's adventurous spirit extended far beyond the Himalayas. He played a crucial role in the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1955–1958), led by Sir Vivian Fuchs. Hillary led the New Zealand contingent, tasked with laying supply depots for Fuchs's overland crossing of Antarctica. On 3 January 1958, Hillary and his team made history by becoming the first to reach the South Pole overland using motorized vehicles, and the third overall in history after Amundsen and Scott. Demonstrating his unparalleled exploratory drive, he subsequently reached the North Pole by plane on 6 April 1985, accompanied by notable figures including Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon. This extraordinary feat made him the first person in history to achieve the unique "Three Poles Challenge" – successfully reaching both the North and South Poles, in addition to summiting Mount Everest.

His immense influence and groundbreaking achievements were formally recognized when Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century, a testament to his global impact.

A Philanthropic Heart: The Himalayan Trust

Following his monumental ascent of Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary's focus shifted significantly towards humanitarian efforts. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude towards the Sherpa people, whose invaluable support and knowledge were critical to his expeditions, he dedicated himself to assisting communities in the remote Everest region of Nepal. In 1960, he established the Himalayan Trust, a charitable organization focused on sustainable development and improving the lives of the Sherpa. His tireless efforts through the Trust are credited with the construction of numerous essential facilities, significantly transforming the region:

• Education: Establishing schools to provide crucial learning opportunities for Sherpa children.
• Healthcare: Building hospitals and clinics to improve access to medical care in remote areas.
• Infrastructure: Developing airfields, bridges, and water systems to enhance connectivity and living conditions.
• Environmental Conservation: Promoting responsible tourism and protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

This unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Sherpa people became as much a part of his legacy as his climbing achievements.

Honours and Enduring Legacy

Throughout his life, Sir Edmund Hillary received countless accolades and honours, reflecting his global stature and contributions. Immediately after his Everest triumph, he was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) on 16 July 1953. In 1995, he was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Garter (KG), one of the most prestigious chivalric orders in the world, and in 1987, he was inducted into the Order of New Zealand (ONZ), the country's highest honour. Upon his passing in 2008, New Zealand honoured him with a state funeral in Auckland, a rare tribute signifying his profound impact on the nation and the world. Sir Edmund Hillary's legacy transcends his mountaineering feats; he remains a powerful symbol of human endeavor, exploration, and profound humanitarianism.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sir Edmund Hillary

When was Sir Edmund Hillary born and when did he pass away?

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary was born on 20 July 1919 and passed away on 11 January 2008.

Who was the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest?

Sir Edmund Hillary, along with Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest on 29 May 1953.

What was Sir Edmund Hillary's role after climbing Everest?

After his Everest ascent, Hillary dedicated much of his life to philanthropy, establishing the Himalayan Trust in 1960 to aid the Sherpa people of Nepal. He also served as New Zealand's High Commissioner to India and Bangladesh, and Ambassador to Nepal, from 1985 to 1988.

Did Sir Edmund Hillary achieve any other significant exploratory feats?

Yes, Sir Edmund Hillary was the first person to reach both the North Pole and the South Pole, in addition to summiting Mount Everest, completing what is often referred to as the 'Three Poles Challenge'. He reached the South Pole overland in 1958 as part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition and the North Pole by plane in 1985.

What is the Himalayan Trust?

The Himalayan Trust is a philanthropic organization founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1960. It is dedicated to supporting the Sherpa communities in the Everest region of Nepal, focusing on initiatives in education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation.