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I feel like I'm climbing as well, if not better, than ever.

Climbing is what I do.

The types of climbing that I choose to do I'm good at justifying. I do really try and pick things that I'm going to live through. I don't want to die, and I'm relatively cautious. I play with that line all the time. I want things that are very exciting, so much so that they can feel almost spiritual.

I enjoy every climb - maybe it's because it's a literal dance between life and death.

Big climbs energize me. It's all the other aspects of being a pro-climber that wear me down. The travel and expeditions and training can become pretty tiring. But the actual big climbs - that's what I live for.

To me, climbing is like eating or drinking. I have to do it; it's part of my life.

It's the journey toward doing these harder climbs that really gives value to the whole activity of climbing.

I never imagined I could make it to the top of Mount Everest at age 80. This is the world's best feeling, although I'm totally exhausted. Even at 80, I can still do quite well.

I'm still a promising actor. It's better to be climbing even if you have a lot of falls than to be descending. Maybe that's kept me young. I haven't gotten to any peak yet.

I'm done with Everest. I did it three times, and I need to be good at that and be happy with it and focus on other climbs.