An unexpected clue found on Everest could end 100 years of controversy over one of humanity’s greatest mysteries: Were Irvine and Mallory the first men to climb Everest

Were Andrew “Sandy” Irvine and Gorges Mallory the first men to climb to the summit of Everest? A recent discovery could put an end to this 100-year-old debate.

The recent National Geographic expedition to Everest made a sensational find that may solve one of history’s greatest mysteries: A maid has been found! Finally, it’s not exactly just any boot since it would have belonged to Andrew “Sandy” Irvine, of whom we have been wondering for a century if he was indeed the first human (with Georges Mallory) to have climbed the wall of world: Everest.

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A century later: an unexpected clue emerges from the ice

Last September, under the north face of Mount Everest, a team of National Geographic documentarians, led by photographer and director Jimmy Chin, made an astonishing discovery. As they crossed the Central Rongbuk Glacier, their eyes landed on an unexpected object: an ancient boot, emerging from the ice, marked with the name “AC Irvine.”

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The impact of a single boot

Closer examination of this boot revealed that it still contained a foot, and on the sock, a red tag embroidered with Irvine’s name. The moment was a shock to the team, as Jimmy Chin describes: “Upon lifting the sock, seeing Irvine’s name sewn on it immediately highlighted the historical significance of our find. »

Irvine and Mallory’s quest

Andrew Comyn Irvine, often called Sandy, disappeared in 1924 with famous mountaineer George Mallory while attempting to reach the summit of Everest. Their fate has remained a mystery, with her rope partner Mallory having been found in 1999 with no clue from Irvine until now. This discovery could not only offer answers but also bring some reassurance to families still searching for the truth.

Theories and speculation surrounding their fate

This finding could reopen an old debate, namely whether Mallory and Irvine had actually reached the summit before their deaths in 1924 (meaning that they would have died on their way back down Everest), well before Hillary and Norgay in 1953. Finding Irvine’s personal items sheds new light on their final expedition, and raises questions about the exact circumstances of their disappearance.

The importance of discovery for community and family

Julie Summers, Irvine’s biographer and great niece, sees these remains as a form of closure for the family. The find also narrowed the search area for other artifacts, including Kodak’s famous Vest Pocket camera which could contain images of the summit.

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Remains attributed to Andrew “Sandy” Irvine have been discovered, possibly revealing the fate of the climber who disappeared 100 years ago. This discovery reaffirms Everest not only as a site of sporting exploits but also as a place of historical mysteries.

Source : National Geographic

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