The highest point on earth is the crest of Mount Everest in the Himalayas. It is 29,031 feet high.  

Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa (Tibetian ethnic group known for their genetic adjustment to the high Himalayas and mountaineering) guide and Edmond Hillary (pictured) were the first to crest Everest and did so on May 29th, 1953 as a "present" to Great Britain's young Queen Elizabeth, who was coronated just a few days later. I was enthralled by the news as a boy and have had a life long fascination with Sherpas and Everest.  

Many had perished on Everest before the 1953 success due to the mountain's many pitfalls, including the "death zone" lack of oxygen.  

To this day, I believe Sherpa guide Norgay was first to reach the summit and, if at all, Hillary required his assistance. 

They were both supplemented by oxygen and it was not until some 20 years later that someone accomplished the feat without it.  

This brings me to last Sunday's National Football League game between the (New York team) Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos, which was played at Denver's "Mile High" Stadium, situated exactly 5280' above sea level.  

My pregame concern was altitude sickness, which happens when your body has trouble adjusting to less oxygen with each breath, resulting in a negative impact upon a pro football athlete's high exertion physical activity.  It was reported that in an effort to adjust, the Bills used specialized training, including time in an altitude chamber, extra hydration and had oxygen on the sideline.  

Before the game, I remarked upon the probable advantage the altitude conditioned Denver players had. Especially in the 4th quarter, remembering that my Giants lost a huge 4th quarter lead at Mike High Stadium this season.  

In the end, it was an excellent, extremely hard fought, overtime game won by the hometown Broncos and the only perceivable altitude sickness was possibly suffered by the referee when he made the pivotal, game changing call of no catch/interception.  

The NFL should have recruited Sherpa refs!