Eight years earlier Anker had climbed the Second Step as part of the Mallory and Irvine Research Expedition but had used one point of aid by stepping on a rung of the ladder. At that time he had rated the climb at 5.10 and probably beyond Mallory; after the June 2007 climb he changed his view and said that "Mallory and Irvine could have climbed it".
Eight years prior Anker had ascended the Second Step as part of a scientific expedition led by Mallory and Irvine but needed to use one piece of assistance by stepping on a ladder rung. At that time, he estimated the climb's difficulty at 5.10 and probably surpassed Mallory's abilities; after his June 2007 expedition, he changed his opinion and suggested that "Mallory and Irvine could have successfully completed it".