Free Solo- while these two words might be a source of happiness for many, they are two of the most daunting words in rock climbing. It easily stands for no rope, no different compatriot, just one man, solo climbing on an enormous wall. But, Alex Honnold, who is arguably the best rock climber in the world, loves free soloing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a recent YouTube video, Alex talks about what went through his mind during the climb of El Sendero Luminoso.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Alex Honnold explains the tough climb
Honnold has been a legend in the rock climbing fraternity for a while now. A bag full of startling climbs and loose harnesses, he conquered a lot of cliffs. With an innovative haircut and a goofy grin, Alex has been fighting against gravity for some time, overthrowing some of the toughest cliffs on planet earth.
The North Face athlete’s significant achievement in recent times was the climb he made on El Sendero Luminoso. Talking about the same in an interview, he opened up on a crucial moment involving an important foothold point during the climb.
A few pics from a trip up the North Ridge of Half Dome this week – it’s an old school route that I’d never done before & I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It’s an incredible position up the side of Half Dome. Engaging climbing but never too crazy. 14 pitches up to 5.10d… pic.twitter.com/59s206aQq8
— Alex Honnold (@AlexHonnold) May 12, 2022
“And so I was climbing and then I got to a certain move that was, that felt insecure for me and I had to trust foothold I didn’t wanna stand on. It’s like I could hear all these tourists at the summit, and it was this whole crazy experience.”
Honnold also admitted that he felt scared and had been free-soloing for over two hours at the point. It was both physically and mentally exhausting for the rock climber. “Ultimately, I just like sorted through it, and I stepped on the foot, and you know, I did it,” Alex said. Just hearing the account of his superhuman climb sends chills down the spine of many. Now, imagine being the one to do it!
The Legend that is Honnold
On 3 June 2017, Alex free-soloed the free-rider route on the El Capitan in Yosemite. He became the first and only person to …….