By Zhang Mingyu

    BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Mark Inglis, a legend on the history of mountaineering, conquered Mt. Qomolangma with his artificial limbs at the age of 47. But this time, he lost five fingers.

"I love mountain-climbing. Now matter whether it's easy or difficult, I just enjoy the sense of accomplishment when standing atop of the peak," said Mark Inglis. (Photo Source: 51tibettour.com) Photo Gallery>>>

    The New Zealander began to write his legend when he started to climb peaks as a 12-year-old boy, then he became a search and rescue team member at the age of 18. He, 22 then, lost both of his legs below the knees in a mountaineering accident.

    However, all that he has lost seems no big deal for him. "When I was only 12, Mt. Qomolangma was a holy place in my heart. I vowed to scale the world's summit one day," he stressed.

    "The concept of challenge and personal excellence is an integral part of my life, responsible on many levels for how I have turned what many people would think of as stumbling blocks to the stepping stones of life." Written in his blog is his optimistic attitude and self-confidence towards his life.

    Mark never thought of the question "Why are you still so fanatic about mountaineering after losing your legs?" His most concern is that "Oh, how can I continue climbing without legs?"

    "I love mountain-climbing. Now matter whether it's easy or difficult, I just enjoy the sense of accomplishment when standing atop of the peak. Of course, the more difficult it is, the stronger sense I have. Standing on the top of a peak, I will feel nothing impossible for me," Mark said.

Mark Inglis, a mountaineering enthusiast from New Zealand, conquered Mt. Qomolangma with his artificial limbs at the age of 47. (Photo Source: china.org.cn) Photo Gallery>>>

    Certainly, he is always superbly equipped in mountain-climbing, including the ice axe and artificial limbs.

    "All this is costly, absolutely... Mountaineering requires the player to be deep-pocketed. My family is no more than moderately rich in New Zealand. Sponsored by an Australian company and donated by a charity agency, I made it at last. I'm skilled in seeking such opportunities to help me realize more dreams."

    Mark has worn out 37 pairs of artificial limbs till now, almost one for each year. He also prepares different limbs for different sports.

    "My feet won't be bitten by frost any more," he said jokingly, adding: "And I'm able to be better acclimatized to high altitude this way. I have more advantages than other climbers who have their own legs. That is, my broken 'leg' can be rehabilitated soon and my climbing breeches only need to be made reach down to my knees."