The ascent of Alex Honnold

October 2, 2011 12:37 PM

Mountain climber Alex Honnold seems to defy gravity, scaling sheer, steep rock faces with no rope and apparently no fear. Lara Logan reports.

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by slowride3573 October 18, 2011 3:49 PM EDT: Long Live Alex,You're the Best.; Reply to this comment


by johnnythegeek October 10, 2011 1:41 AM EDT: I really did not want to hear the commentary during the most difficult part of the climb.; Reply to this comment


by ramanrao October 8, 2011 5:24 AM EDT: Truly amazing feats! I am not a climber, and before this I never thought anything like this was even possible. I have watched this segment many times, and still feel queasy in my stomach every time I watch it. Alex is a truly amazing athlete, and a true inspiration for the ordinary humans like me on how to accomplish great things. However, I do wish he would climb with ropes or carry a small parachute or something. Anything can happen it doesn't have to be the climber's fault for something to go wrong. Besides he has already accomplished so much - we need him to be around a long time to teach others, and to be that inspiration for others.; Reply to this comment


by chpitne October 7, 2011 3:13 PM EDT: I can understand your reaction. However Thoreau sought his comfort because 1. His object of affection spurned him, 2. Nobody would publish his work and 3. he had set fire to a couple of hundred acres around Concord whilst trying to cook a fish.
For all his later publicity You would have been happy hearing Thoreau had moved on.; Reply to this comment


by ChemBassTchr October 6, 2011 7:12 PM EDT: Alex is a rare spirit who is fully awake and living passionately each moment of life--something all of us should strive for. When I hear the phrase "Carpe Diem" -I think of Alex. Is his passion a high risk endeavor?? Absolutely!!
Can he die an early death doing what he loves?? Absolutely!! Should our goal be to accumulate as many years as possible in our life??? ...or stuff as much life as possible into our years?? I vote for the latter. Alex is my new hero and role model. Although I am 63, Alex awoke the Thoreau in me. I am seeking a new "mountain" to climb.; Reply to this comment


by KyleHagel October 5, 2011 2:45 PM EDT: For us who climb or have climbed, not in a gym but mountains and rock, we recognize his incredible ability and clarity of mind to perform these climbs. It is jaw dropping amazing and so unique of which only we probably see in a lifetime this level of athletic ability. The fact that this young and humble kid from Sacramento is physical capable and has the clarity of mind to conquer these faces solo is so just astounding. When you conclude and make your decision of whether or not he is insane....ask yourself this. What can you do that is truly great and inspiring in your area of expertise and to the people around you? This is truly inspiring, I'm going to the gym again today to get stronger, then send my project V7. :); Reply to this comment


by rtmunro October 4, 2011 1:39 PM EDT: He's incredible, but no one lives in a vacuum. I'd really have liked some commentary from his parents or other family members. This guy is fascinating, I've got to see that movie.; Reply to this comment


by Merthin October 4, 2011 1:31 PM EDT: I seem to remember a 60 minutes episodes back in the 60-70's featuring a similar solo climber.; Reply to this comment


by yougogirl60 October 4, 2011 1:54 AM EDT: It is just a matter of time. God bless him.; Reply to this comment


by javajoe1313 October 4, 2011 12:36 AM EDT: crazy would be understatement to describe this guy. He is not a normal human being. All I can say is don't play with fire , actually don't play with inferno. I am sorry to say that there is absolutely no inch space for error in what he does. He should at the least wear a helmet.; Reply to this comment