In reply to jon: No, that's my view. I noted, you'll recall, that it was a very impressive athletic achievement and I don't doubt his mountaineering skills; but I can't see the value in doing it.
I have the same views about, for example, people trying to climb Everest in a record time. I'm sure they're all consummate mountaineers and fiercely determined and honed athletes but really; why?*
But like I said, my grumpy old sourpuss gland has had its exercise. I wouldn't normally let it release about such a subject, but I've been e-mailing Legal and General about pension-related matters and it felt the need to growl a bit. I'll be off to watch the cricket while it calms down for a bit now.
T.
* yes, I know you could ask the same about any form of climbing or mountain-related exercise