Alex Honnold: No harness, no ropes, no team, simply 'free solo'

Alex Honnold, a leading figure in the climbing world, has earned global fame for his groundbreaking free solo climbs, especially at Yosemite National Park in California, where his feats have redefined the limits of what’s possible in the sport.

Honnold is among the world's best free solo climbers. His incredible ability to maintain focus and control of his fear, while executing precise movements without the security of safety gear, has earned him a spot among the legends of the sport.

Image source: YouTube - National Geographic 'Free Solo'

Free solo climbing is arguably the most dangerous way to climb a rock, where the climber ascends without ropes or other protective equipment. It all narrows down to climbing shoes and chalk!

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Image source: YouTube - National Geographic 'Free Solo'

Most climbs go above safe heights, leaving no room for error. Most, if not all falls, will be fatal. Only a handful of climbers have mastered the art of free soloing, however, the first recorded ascents date back to 1886!

Image source: YouTube - National Geographic 'Free Solo'

Honnold made history in 2017, after his jaw-dropping free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. National Geographic covered his journey up the face of the rock, capturing his massive achievement! The renowned American climber reached the top after 3 hours and 56 minutes.

The climb was described as "one of the greatest athletic feats of any kind, ever," shared Chai Vasarhelyi, director of the Free Solo documentary. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature (2018)!

Image source: YouTube - National Geographic 'Free Solo'

Alex Honnold was born August 17, 1985, in Sacramento, California (USA). He started climbing at the age of 5 after he joined a local gym. The American climber was involved in many national youth climbing competitions growing up.

"I was never, like, a bad climber, but I had never been a great climber either. There were a lot of other climbing who were much, much stronger than me, who started as kids and were like instantly freakishly strong, a natural gift. And that was never me. I just loved climbing," shared Honnold during an interview covered by Laura Martin from INews UK.

W.P. Haskett Smith was the first to free solo Napes Neele at Great Gable, United Kingdom in 1886, however, the British climber did use a rope around his waist, nevertheless, the safety equipment was minimal.

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The sport originated from mountaineering and alpinism, where climbing was heavily involved. Over time, the extreme sport has evolved into a diverse and popular activity that can be done both indoors and outdoors.