The route he climbed, known as Free Rider, is rated at 5.12D. Thats a difficulty rating above anything I ever climbed, or dreamed of climbing. It is very close to 5.13. I still remember the 'old days' when 5.13 was the hardest that anyone in the world could climb, with or without a rope.

To climb this route, at an elevation of 2300 feet above the floor of the Yosemite Valley, Alex had to put one thumb (or one fingertip) into a tiny hole in the rock face, and pull his entire body weight up on it. And then repeat. The crux moves, at 2300 ft above the ground, require this level of strength.

It blows my mind that he did this without a rope, or any form of protection. I just dont have words for it.

No doubt there will be fatalities when other young climbers try to repeat this performance. I wish it wouldn't happen, but its practically guaranteed.

Pete