"No one is doing a first ascent of el cap in a day."

That wasn't the claim. The speed record for El Cap, off the top of my head, is somewhere around three hours, and routes on El Cap have been done free (by very exceptional climbers, to be sure)for several years, even by ladies! Equipment plays a role, but contemporary climbers train and prepare to an extent unknown in the old days.

Exploits of the past are certainly worthy of our admiration, but that doesn't mean that nothing worthy is happening today.

As far as "iron men" are concerned, the most astonishing accomplishment of old, as far as I am concerned, is this:

US troops were escorting Geronimo's band (men, women, and children - about thirty in all) back into the US after the final surrender in Mexico. Suddenly one of the women veered away from the group, heading toward a nearby creek. "What's up" asked one of the soldiers. "Wait! You'll see" was the response.

Forty-five minutes later the lady rejoined the group, carrying a new born baby.

There were some pretty tough ladies around, back then, as well...