I'm not sure of when it was first said but IIRC it was a response to someone accusing him of being the best climber in the world in an interview. Lowe by the w

I'm not sure of when it was first said but IIRC it was a response to someone accusing him of being the best climber in the world in an interview. Lowe by the way was a fascinating character who, in addition to being one of the worlds top athletes, studied mathematics and would reportedly bring math text books on expeditions to keep himself entertained.