Who won the fight for Everest? – the century of the death of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine

The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine’s climb (June 8, 1924). Their ascent remains one of the greatest mysteries of Mount Everest. The purpose of this article is to celebrate the 1924 expedition and to summarize the available knowledge about what may have happened on 8 June 1924. George Mallory and Andrew “Sandy” Irvine certainly reached the height of the first step (8564 m). Based on Odell’s observations, it can be inferred that they have also overcome the altitude of at least the second step (8610 m). It is likely that George Mallory and Andrew Irvine descended at night. Below the first step there was a drama which resulted in Mallory falling. He probably survived the fall and died of ahead injury (from the impact of a falling rock). Irvine’s body has never been found. Odell always considered the possibility that the team hadreached the summit. Unfortunately, with each passing year, the chances of solving this mystery diminish. It is worth noting that George Mallory participated in all three British expeditions to Mount Everest and was one of the pioneers of Himalayan climbing. George Mallory was among the group of climbers who first reached and crossed the so-called Death Zone. Unfortunately, he was also the first person to die in it.