In 2017 American rock climber Alex Honnold reached the top of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in about four hours. Though it was two years ago that he began preparing for this historic climb and he has climbed El Capitan wearing safety equipment countless times, this time, he used only his hands and feet. "I was pretty much elated, Honnold told the reporter his feelings about reaching the top" I was probably the happiest I've ever been It's something that I thought about for so long and dreamed about and worked so hard for."
During his two years' preparation, he tried to memorize every hole he had to hold and the positions of his body. He repeated the climb over and over again, until he felt certain enough to try the so-called "free solo" climb. The most difficult part of the trip is about 700 meters off the ground. At that point, the very small holes in the rock are only for a thumb to fit.
But Honnold said the climb was more mentally challenging than physically challenging. For many years, Honnold dreamed about this climb, but whenever Honnold went to the park and looked up at El Capitan, he became frightened. "To walk up to the base of the climb without rope and harness, it just feels a little outrageous(骇人的). Getting over that side of it was the hardest part, "he said。
Many people say Honnold's climb has pushed the limits in a sport that requires a high level of physical ability, risk-taking and mental strength. It has never been done before. And it's hard to imagine anybody ever coming close to what he's done Honnold has an extreme ability to control fear and his body for a long period of time。
