George Leigh Mallory

Many people believe that Mallory was actually the first person to set foot on the top of Everest in 1924. While the evidence is rather scanty, there are strong proponents of this view and many a expeditions have been launched to ascertain the truth. But it still is a mystery. Perhaps he did it, perhaps he didn't; but he sure did utter the most famous three words in mountaineering history. Upon being asked why he wanted to climb Everest he is said to have replied, "Because it's there".