Sir Edmund Percival Hillary

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary (1919–2008) was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist. On 29 May 1953, together with Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, he became one of the first climbers confirmed to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Their historic climb was part of the ninth British expedition to Everest, led by John Hunt.

Hillary’s achievements went beyond Everest. In 1958, as part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, he reached the South Pole overland, and later the North Pole, making him the first person to stand on both poles and the summit of Everest. His lifelong dedication to the Sherpa people of Nepal led to the construction of schools, hospitals, and infrastructure through the Himalayan Trust.

Recognized as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century by Time magazine, Hillary received many honors, including the Order of the Garter in 1995. Following his death in 2008, he was given a state funeral in New Zealand. His legacy is commemorated on New Zealand’s $5 banknote.