Alex Honnold Solos The Phoenix (5.13) - Behind The Scenes

One of the hardest pitches ever free soloed in Yosemite. An intimate look behind the scenes during Alex Honnold's historic 2011 ropeless ascent of The Phoenix (5.13) as told by filmmaker Peter Mortimer.
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[@BostonsF1nest]

He free soloed the hardest route in Yosemite before a 9am meeting and never even mentioned it to anyone there 😂. That’s insane

[@robertnewell4054]

Not the hardest, not even close. It is a classic & it helps define the grade in Yosemite & this is the hardest *free solo* the Valley had seen at this time. If your familiar with Honnold Free Solo movie, The Phoenix {here} is the same grade as the Boulder Problem Corner, 5.13a. Totally different climbing but the same grade

[@r.suryan]

As Hard as by number, but the same result for 1 single mistake. And its long before the film.

[@MenezesShow]

He’s a savage

[@jadeddragon4254]

He did mention it. He acts like it's nothing but inside he wants everyone to know

[@BostonsF1nest]

@@jadeddragon4254 or maybe it’s his passion in life and just enjoys sharing what he loves with ppl

[@derekatwood6236]

Shows why so many of his solos are not filmed. No camera man can handle the stress 😂

[@andrewmitchell5807]

Nah, he just doesn't tell anyone when he's doing it

[@wolfrodah]

he doesn't like people around

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

@@wolfrodah I didn't either. All my hardest solos were when the crag was empty...or a first ascent.

[@lucas-ge4qh]

If you've watched Magnus Midtbo's video with him, you find out it's even scarier if Alex is the one filming.

[@wolfrodah]

@@terraflow__bryanburdo4547 yup, a friend of mine does the same, he doesn't like when people he doesn't know are around

[@Illogicalmedia229]

I have the world's respect for Alex Honnold. I just hope he never dies doing free solo.

[@gavinwinkler3684]

Don’t want a Marc Andre leclerc

[@Jack-russell103]

I can’t understand how this is humanly possible…he’s amazing

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE PARAGUAY ARGENTINA SOUTH OF BRAZIL URUGUAY A M S T R A L I A AMERICA AUSTRAL

[@alberto3874]

no fear brain 🤪

[@clintwalker3127]

It’s not! He is not human

[@fischersmethod]

They scan his brain and show low activity in area that registers fear…. Lose fear response then your body wont be flooded with stress hormone

[@alberto3874]

@@fischersmethod risk vs reward , the balance that saves lifes... adrenaline addicts 🫣😵‍💫🤕☠️

[@Unriven]

I could never handle the stress of being around Honnold soloing hard routes. This footage and Magnus' climb recently gave me the shivers.

[@agustinalonsoibanezolivos1890]

Same

[@vlnakajr2346]

I felt really bad for Magnus. It felt like he got peer pressured into it and was really regretting it the entire climb as well as knowing he couldn't just stop or downclimb.

[@arturobandini4078]

@@vlnakajr2346 Yeah, I felt the same way watching it. And I found it strange that lot of people were applauding Honnold's "encouragement" of Magnus on that video. To me, it showed Honnold's seeming inability to read other people or see things from their perspective i.e. empathy. Not necessarily having a go at Honnold, his brain works a certain way obviously, but I found him wyige cringey in that video

[@xSkitZx]

@@vlnakajr2346 are you a climber though? Because if not that climb for magnus is akin to asking an able bodied person to go on a hike where there's a 4ft path with a sheer drop either side. Absolutely doable, easy in fact, but you don't run and you still check your footing

[@piteusx8440]

Plenty of climbers have incredible technique like Alex. Many climbers are stronger than Alex. What separates Alex from the rest is his mind. He's so confident and never panics. He's a machine. There is no doubt he is the GOAT of Free Solo.

[@buckmanriver]

I am glad some of this footage was archived for later release. Now that Alex is a Dad he is not soloing 5.13 for cameras anymore. And I am glad he is not. He is the solo GOAT for sure. And I want him to live a long healthy, happy life.

[@AnnHollingshead]

well said.

[@orion7741]

not entirely true though. He has made it very clear that he solos whenever he feels like it, and that is never going to change in his life. His partner knows this and she has accepted it.

[@joshthsu]

@@orion7741yeah but when you have a kid to raise, the “I feel like soloing” thought comes up much less

[@DDracee]

pmuch all the soloers that died soloing did so by soloing easy routes they're over familiar with, something Alex still does

[@mrmotomoto]

I saw a goat do this very line the other week

[@theoutsider6191]

You can't deny the impressive ability to control himself in these positions. I was blown away when I watch free solo. For me the Free Solo job was the single most impressive sporting achievement I'll ever witness. It combines not only high level climbing skill, but also athletic ability, and the kind of mental fortitude most people could never develop.

[@gmb7200]

True, true, true, & true

[@princequestly2218]

I agree I’m still floored when I think about the gravity of the climb. No pun intended.

[@ohh1065]

The mental strength to pull it off too, knowing you’re one misstep from not existing anymore

[@TeresaAnnn]

That's just nuts putting yourself in danger like that.

[@wickedloud1995]

The craziest part is the juxtaposition between how secure he makes the climbing look, and how absolutely insecure I know it is. I wouldn't even be able to pull of the ground!! the GOAT 💪

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE PARAGUAY ARGENTINA SOUTH OF BRAZIL URUGUAY A M S T R A L I A AMERICA AUSTRAL

[@AnZAlaknar]

There's this great scene in Generation Kill where Lt. Fick comes over to the Rolling Stone reporter huddled behind a HMMWV during a pretty heavy firefight and says "Many people would say that Iraq, right now, is unsafe. But to us, sitting behind this wheel, Iraq is pretty safe. Everything is a matter of perspective". I think it's similar with how Alex climbs - it's safe, because he makes it safe (of course, disregarding the absolute lack of a safety margin - if he gets injured or pulls a muscle is game over).

[@fukkitful]

@@AnZAlaknar or sneezes...

[@pandabear631]

Me and my wife’s girlfriend did the juxtaposition once and boy let me tell you my bellybutton and medulla oblongata was sore and flaky fur weeks.

[@pandabear631]

Me and my wife’s girlfriend did the juxtaposition once and boy let me tell you my bellybutton and medulla oblongata was sore and flaky fur weeks.

[@katherineschexneider585]

I hadn't heard about this climb, but noticed that Alex looked quite young. I see it was in 2011. What an amazing career he's had, and how incredible the experiences of the camera crews to watch him up close! And through Alex's career, he seems to have maintained his humble attitude. I remember him at the Oscars, and he was like, "This is neat. OK, now back to the van." Awesome person!

[@danielasterling6936]

LUCIANA IMOBERDORF PIA EXNER MOIRA BERNTZ INGRID GRUDKE MILAGROS SCHMOLL MARCELA KLOOSTERBOER TIZIANA HEINZE LUCINA VON DER HEYDE NICOLE NEUMANN VALENTINA SEWCZUK NAOMI PREIZLER AYELEN STEPNIK JAZMÍN STUART KARINA JELINEK ANA LIVCHICH CARLA PETERSEN DANIELA PFEIFF IMAN KAUMANN PILAR BOERIS LUCIANA RUBINSKA MARTINA STOESSEL A R G E N T I N A

[@OneMouseGaming]

This is when they were filming the 60 minutes piece on Alex climbing halfdome. ITs on KZbin

[@james1327]

This makes my palms sweaty. Crazy stuff. He’s a national treasure.

[@somcana]

My legs 🦵 😫. I feel like my legs would do their own thing and jump off the cliff. I get funny leg feelings 🙈

[@billythedreamer]

Makes my knees go weak and my arms heavy

[@Somethinghumble]

yup. Palms sweating, butt clenched up tight, but it's like a train wreck. You just can't look away.

[@fractal_gate]

I don't understand how this is physically or mentally possible.

[@RonSonntag]

Alex is a true gem of a human being. I want him to be around for a long, long, time! Thank you for this filming. Really precious!

[@danielasterling6936]

RUSSIAN SPANISH POLAR LANGUAGES USHUAIA ANTÁRTIDA ARGENTINA AURORA AUSTRAL

[@MEGAMCLOVIIN]

@@danielasterling6936go find your extra chromosome

[@AtortAerials]

He for sure seems like one. Would be cool guy to hang with I see a lot of myself in him minus the climbing stuff. 😳

[@Spacegoat92]

He's such a humble guy. It's a privilege to watch him do this stuff as i sit here in my chair with my palms sweating like mad....

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE ARGENTINA ICE HOCKEY

[@JLE999]

This dudes morning coffee is a death defying climb before 9am.

[@NeverGiveUp66963]

A True Legend

[@mhsigrist]

This guys is unreal. What a legend.

[@danielasterling6936]

ACONCAGUA ARGENTINA

[@paulrhodesquinn]

@@danielasterling6936Do continue, it’s fascinating.

[@davidahola7155]

There is nothing about this climb that isn't crazy.. I think what gets grossly undercooked is the incredible strength this must take. He makes it look so effortlessly, so smooth and controlled. Absolute freak of nature.

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE ARGENTINA ICE HOCKEY

[@prdoyle]

Grossly undercooked

[@ZonZorZerx]

Well he isn't just using his arms, he is using his legs too. A lot. He is skinny and strong, but most of all he relies on fingers and endurance apart from technique.

[@paysonfox88]

For anyone saying it is not impressive. I would remind you that no human before 1977 was confirmed to have climbed a 5.13 / 8A in the history of mankind with equipment. Alex did this without. Which means that if he'd done this in the 70's or 80's instead of the 2010's, he would've advanced the concept of human climbing capability more than anyone else in history ever could.

[@marlowemarlowe4893]

I watched this video, on my iPad, whilst I was stood on my desk, just to give it some sort of perspective. I was so relieved when the video was over. Have never been so scared in all of my life.

[@sbdeluxe2088]

For people who say he's just incapable of feeling fear, and it's easier for him, they need to watch this. He's probably climbed this so many times, knows every nook and cranny, and was clearly holding himself together by sheer force of will. Meanwhile, my phone is propped on my stomach, getting sticky from cheetos dust.

[@hankramo1196]

This is so accurate dude

[@shkrsimpson44]

Nope. They ACTUALLY did a study on his brain and found that his brain DOES NOT register fear like other people, to the point it's practically non existent. Couple that with the fact he has Supreme focus and technique, this is the result. You know how serial killers can mutilate and dismember others without an ounce of guilt? This is that in another form. Not everyone's brain is the same.

[@sbdeluxe2088]

@@shkrsimpson44 they found that his amygdala didn't respond to the same stimuli as normal people but in no way did it show he doesn't experience fear. He just doesn't jump at shadows. And the serial killer thing has nothing to do with anything. Serial killers are sociopaths. Also, anyone can become desensitized to violence. Once again, has nothing to do with what Alex does and how he does it. In the future, its important when reading or watching things that you try and actually understand what's going on.

[@shkrsimpson44]

@Daniel Golay the amygdala is what processes fear. So if it doesn't respond to stimuli and fear related behavior, what does that tell you? Use common sense. To say that anyone can become desensitized to violence is nonsensical. You were wrong on this and only succeeded in doubling down on it. Get over it.

[@rahhmennoodles338]

@@shkrsimpson44 When you drove a car for the first time it was pretty scary right? And eventually it stopped being scary for you. That's the same mechanism the human brain uses to become desensitized to lots of things, including violence. You're trying to refute a basic fact of human biology.

[@Bulldawg1975]

I found myself clutching my desk while watching this, and making weird faces, as if I was there willing him on to climb it. Holy shit that was insane...thanks so much for sharing this footage. Simply incredble.

[@poutinedream5066]

I saw a single crack running up a vertical wall and was like "God Alex, maybe tmoro you'll let us watch you climb a ladder." 🤣

[@peterjarnes25]

Right I know exactly what you mean and feel.

[@ballaev]

I know right! SO INTENSE!!

[@danielasterling6936]

@@ballaev CHILE ARGENTINA THE SCANDINAVIA OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

[@danielasterling6936]

ACONCAGUA ARGENTINA

[@Yakushii]

Love these types of short documentary filmmaking. And the music choice was marvellous. Very nicely done.

[@poutinedream5066]

When he started climbing, I thought I heard the cello solo at the beginning of the Shining 🤣

[@danielasterling6936]

RUSSIAN SPANISH POLAR LANGUAGES USHUAIA ANTÁRTIDA ARGENTINA AURORA AUSTRAL

[@nacarzzz]

Do you know what song is playing at 5:18

[@leeartlee915]

This guy really fascinates me. So much of my life is based upon minimizing risk while this guy is thinking about doing what he wants first and then figuring out how to do it without dying. Incredible individual.

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE ARGENTINA ICE HOCKEY

[@FT4Freedom]

Alex has a decent risk assessment process. And he works the routine to death. And he's insane too.

[@jayhamiltonwild]

Alex is by far one of the bravest guys ever, to do el cap, half dom, this.... He is incredible! Seems like a lovely guy, I hope he stops soon as he has a partner and kid now! You have proven everything! You have to think about them Now brother🙏, bless ya mate

[@cachi-7878]

Every time I watch this guy go solo, I get so nervous even though I know he made it safely to the top. It’s something I can’t control.

[@djangoohara1907]

It's gotta be said, free solo is the most dangerous Sport on the planet & doing it takes the most guts & courage out of any sport, & the way Alex Honnold holds his nerves during his climbs is unprecedented, I haven't seen a person with that level of courage & self belief until Alex Honnold, ROCK ON BROTHER, MASSIVE RESPECT & BEST WISHES ALEX 👍👍👍

[@redlion909]

Damn, I just finished watching Free Solo like 5 mins ago, my body is still shaking and emotional. Decided to watch youtube to calm down a bit and this video appears on my feeds...

[@danielasterling6936]

@@matthewkuhl79 LUCIANA IMOBERDORF PIA EXNER MOIRA BERNTZ INGRID GRUDKE MILAGROS SCHMOLL MARCELA KLOOSTERBOER TIZIANA HEINZE LUCINA VON DER HEYDE NICOLE NEUMANN VALENTINA SEWCZUK NAOMI PREIZLER AYELEN STEPNIK JAZMÍN STUART KARINA JELINEK ANA LIVCHICH CARLA PETERSEN DANIELA PFEIFF IMAN KAUMANN PILAR BOERIS LUCIANA RUBINSKA MARTINA STOESSEL A R G E N T I N A

[@channingbloom7125]

It never ceases to amazing me of how calm he is. No master that part of your mind is nothing short of perfection.

[@scooterparlay]

This is amazing footage thank you to all!

[@markford8759]

I am afraid of heights. I won't even stop out onto a porch of a tall building. But I am enthralled by the documentaries filming his amazing feats of skill and courage.

[@bipmix]

I am, too, and i have wondered for a long time where it comes from. It's like having a meltdown and the brain losing its ability to organize physical observations and make decisions..at the same time though, I have tried to test and see if fear can be overcome and started climbing in small step, three steps up, down, four steps up, down, etc., and in really small steps with pads on the floor. It works, actually, but it takes a loong time but you seem to lose the fear along the way..

[@sirris4330]

Gives me shivers.. this man is fcking insane! He's playing hardcore mode on life on the hardest difficulty and he's winning. He's an absolute national treasure and the best athlete we have ever seen

[@Jonslondon]

No one will do ever do that in the history of doing things. I love this man.

[@Fellstr]

We are witnessing history my friends, we won’t see another one of him for a long time.

[@corail53]

What are you on about. There are a plethora of solo'ers out there doing amazing things and pushing limits just without the cameras around.

[@buckmanriver]

@@corail53 How many have soloed a big wall in YNSP?

[@perrydoig2872]

Bachar and Reardon inspired Honnold when he was young. Right now there is certainly someone inspired by him who will accomplish incredible things on solo. Give it a few years. It’s always cyclical.

[@sexystmanalive1]

Yeah, they usually aren‘t around for a long time

[@sh0cktim3]

@@perrydoig2872 doubt it. If you push the edge you will find it. Meaning they will die. Alex is gonna be as good as it gets. His brain amygdala doesn't register fear like normal humans.

[@petermackinnon6546]

Thank you so much for putting us there as best you could. The sounds, the perspectives, and the pure intensity are all so incredible when we are given a chance to watch one of the best athletes work. Absolutely a masterpiece of climbing film in this one.

[@danielasterling6936]

MAR DEL PLATA VILLA GESELL PINAMAR OSTENDE CARILO A R G E N T I N A

[@AndyNC]

There are some things people do where I think: "Yeah, I would do that. A bit of training and preparation... I would give it a try". And then there are the things Alex is doing on a daily basis... never ever, not in 100 years I could do that. Impressive and brain freezing crazy.

[@ratioscientiae1922]

This was years before his ultimate feat: the free solo of El Capitan in 2017. Awesome climber!

[@MrThidious]

So very grateful you captured this historic moment in climbing history! Also what an amazing feat, and to be able to witness it firsthand and Alex being critical of his performance 🤣 well done!

[@danielasterling6936]

RUSSIAN SPANISH POLAR LANGUAGES USHUAIA ANTÁRTIDA ARGENTINA AURORA AUSTRAL

[@MrThidious]

@@danielasterling6936 yeah.... 🤷‍♂️

[@Deeds_of_Love]

I watched that 60-minutes episode probably 10 times, and there they only show snippets of this climb. Thanks for finally sharing this!

[@danielasterling6936]

@J Hoop RUSSIAN SPANISH POLAR LANGUAGES USHUAIA ANTÁRTIDA ARGENTINA AURORA AUSTRAL

[@gordonneverdies]

This 9 minute video had about as much raw climbing footy as the whole Free Solo film. I appreciate you sir!

[@kiloyardstare]

Yeah, the documentary would have been better if it simply explained what he planned to do, how he prepared, and showed us a solid hour of Alex H.climbing.

[@rodneybrocke]

@@kiloyardstare Yes. My sentiments exactly. I wish they would do a remake of Free Solo with A LOT more climbing footage. They cut way too much of it out. His climbing is the best part.

[@troyboswell3013]

I have enjoyed so much to watch all of the footage that exists on Alex. I enjoy observing his thought processes as well as his personality as it travels through life. Genuinely a good human being. I root for this guy no matter what he decides to do.

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

Holy shit full on, amazing to watch him move. The last few frames when he was on that arête nose type part, reached around also freaked me out watching it. Amazing guy

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE ARGENTINA THE SCANDINAVIA OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

[@royjones8312]

There has never been something I love so much to watch (Alex free solo coming) that I wish would just end. I know he lives for it but it’s just terrifying.

[@dancetonight]

It is an honor to live at the same time like this higher human being.

[@timborland7704]

Beautiful capture Peter. AH is someone truly special.

[@douglasgray1648]

For on the fly filming, this was really good!

[@slaughery]

I would never be able to film him even if I was capable. I’m guessing many turn down the offer. I don’t even want to go there but the wrong day would leave a lifetime scar. Alex is phenomenal. One of a kind. Wishing him a long and healthy life. 💪

[@onelovemon1784]

Thank you for sharing. Fabulous film. Before watching, knowing that Alex lives and is alive and well, obviously, I found the parts of silence of the video save for the soundtrack of the marvelous waterfall and the meditative majesty of the Phoenix and then to focus on Alex do what only he can do.........good heaven I slipped into a trance and imagined what is happening physiologically, mentality etc. With Alex. I can watch over and over.

[@enkh-amgalanmyagmar7228]

Every time i hear his name, my palms sweat. He is the legend.

[@chrisstich5474]

I love the different colors, patterns, textures of the rock. Alex is the man.

[@danielasterling6936]

RUSSIA ARGENTINA POLAR NATIONS

[@MrJamesD]

this was such a great clip! Alex is really somethin'

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE PARAGUAY ARGENTINA SOUTH OF BRAZIL URUGUAY A M S T R A L I A AMERICA AUSTRAL

[@chrystalmurray5535]

Amazing accomplishment for both of you! Thank you for this short film.

[@danielasterling6936]

USHUAIA ANTÁRTIDA ARGENTINA AURORA AUSTRAL

[@SpookyFairyVR]

I just saw the ad before the video and my hands got sweaty. Amazing and inspiring video.

[@midnick2159]

absolutely maddening! fearless cant begin to describe how this is accomplished. i can barely watch this sitting on a barstool without getting an uneasy feeling in my bits lol

[@danielasterling6936]

RUSSIA ARGENTINA POLAR NATIONS

[@paulrhodesquinn]

@@danielasterling6936or maybe it’s meth?

[@axle71698]

This dude is ridiculously amazingly talented and out of his damn mind. Much respect👊💯

[@danielasterling6936]

RUSSIAN SPANISH POLAR LANGUAGES USHUAIA ANTÁRTIDA ARGENTINA AURORA AUSTRAL

[@paulrhodesquinn]

@@danielasterling6936Are you on crack?

[@-XXI-]

i almost cant handle to watch the damn video, insane what he is capable off. Endless respect

[@jorgeperezbenitez9971]

Gracias por publicarlo. Es absolutamente increíble. Muy grande alex

[@maddave1113]

I remember watching the 60 minutes aus mini doc and he dissapeard in it to do an outrageous climb and this was that climb. Finally seen more. Amazing work. And what a human Alex is. Amazing

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE ARGENTINA ICE HOCKEY

[@muscularibuprofen69]

Greatest free soloist of all time - will there ever be someone better?

[@lespaulr6]

I doubt anyone will ever free solo what he has

[@2richants]

Go and watch the alpinist. Some of his mixed climbs are absolutely nuts.

[@urielhernandez3741]

@@2richants marc was probably a better all around climber than alex since he could climb in any type of surface, his ice climbs were amazing. But he is not even close to alex at free soloing solid surfaces, alex is faster and better at it.

[@Zb_Calisthenic]

No other human will ever free solo El Capitan.

[@urielhernandez3741]

not many soloist are alive to do what alex has done. they either are too scared or dead. Alex is on another level

[@Cherrrk]

This man is so inspiring!

[@rakim126]

i love the little moss patch with the flowers at the start of the route. what a wild place to exist.

[@hermanprez]

I've been a fan of Honnold even before the climb and documentary that made him a superstar. He is an incredible athlete. My only wish for him is that he lives to be an old man.

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE ARGENTINA THE SCANDINAVIA OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

[@jeffso1000]

This makes my palms sweaty just watching. WOW!! Absolutely insane.

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE PARAGUAY ARGENTINA SOUTH OF BRAZIL URUGUAY A M S T R A L I A AMERICA AUSTRAL

[@LostInNumbersMusic]

@@danielasterling6936 What's the purpose of your weird comments?

[@scrotusmaximus3043]

Responsible for some of the greatest athletic and mental achievements in history. Legend.

[@michaelg8034]

Super impressive! My palms was sweating just watching this!

[@lucasspiegel]

Insecure 12d tips laybacking, no warm-up, and if you fall your life is over. This is a great clip, thanks for sharing!!

[@danielasterling6936]

ARGENTINIEN ÜBER ALLES

[@W1ckedRcL]

It's excellent to see his self criticism after the climb. Finding those little faults and places where he may have felt uncomfortable or wasn't happy with the moves or holds shows how self aware he really is and why he's the best climber in the world. And you can see around 6:30 the pump in his triceps and elbows. Great shot from the camera.

[@DNFADV]

Wow! Thank you for sharing.

[@kyleemerson]

Watching his documentaries has inspired me to get back into snowboarding black diamonds again for some reason

[@trevorevans7101]

Amazing. I feel the tension!

[@bodystomp5302]

Absolutely bananas. Dude has incredible endurance.

[@nickjoyner631]

Alex is my inspiration to start climbing. I’ve been training for only 6 months and can barely finish 5.11B 😂 too watch him solo 5.13 is absurd and I hope he stays around for a long time because it is such a dangerous game.

[@skatechatham]

Almost like watching a chameleon climb, the way he places his hands. Even after watching Free Solo a bunch of times this video still seems so unreal.

[@Sumboooodeeey]

Simply Fascinating

[@Wisnufrengky2016]

extraordinary great man

[@arturobandini4078]

I think it's amazing that he ties his laces in those big, wide loops; it always looks like they could come undone easily, or get in the way.

[@luke5897]

Every foot placement is completely intentional and never hurried so you wouldn't be able to trip or anything

[@danielasterling6936]

@@luke5897 RUSSIA ARGENTINA POLAR NATIONS

[@opj4you]

Inspirational. Shows us we can accomplish great things with dedication.

[@rachszy3]

jesus i’m sweating, my blood pressure skyrocketed and having a massive anxiety attack… all watching someone else do it hats off to ya!

[@andaleracingclub4927]

A mentor told me once don’t even leave the ground if you don’t trust your gear. Alex seems to have just a phenomenal level of trust in his own abilities. His constant, rigorously honest self evaluation must give him supreme confidence in his own abilities and limitations.

[@sh0cktim3]

His brain (amygdala) doesn't register fear like the rest of us. It's like a super power in a way.

[@idkgg9588]

@@sh0cktim3 there's a few occasions where he was really scared, standing on the thank god ledge of half dome, climbing in arctic territory were 2 that were captured on film, he just learned to handle the fear

[@danielasterling6936]

BARILOCHE ARGENTINA

[@danielasterling6936]

@@sh0cktim3 TERMINATOR

[@JR-jp7mi]

Without a doubt the most intense sport ever

[@ranjumamachan5313]

I make it a point to tell all my friends when I do a 5 mile run. and here is this guy. How do you not love this guy?

[@seallyboi4618]

Not joking my phone fell out of my hands 5 times watching this. Absolute intensity and it’s crazy how he can do this

[@leetyler4122]

The dude is my hero. He’s inspirational. I’ve watched free solo several times. Always a nail biter. I can only imagine his handshake grip. May you always make it to the top Alex.

[@danielasterling6936]

ACONCAGUA ARGENTINA

[@ketgrapooficial7028]

Es jodidamente aterrador ver los sólos de Honnold.. Un extraterrestre

[@danielasterling6936]

SÓLO...Y ACOMPAÑADO

[@tonys.]

Amazing to watch Alex Free Climb, I love to watch him, what a cool calm climber he is!!! :)

[@IanKoniak]

I couldn’t handle the stress of watching this - can’t imagine how it would feel filming it 😮

[@silvanonovalis-kj2dx]

Alex is a special human being whose brain should be studied. What he does is just far beyond human common limits. A second of fear during a climb can be deadly as the body reacts to stress instinctively. Being a dad is more important than climbing. He does not have to prove anything: he is the most accomplished human being and athlete in the world.

[@smeadows1910]

It has been studied and shown he doesn't experience fear the way most people do. Look it up

[@HondoTrailside]

@@smeadows1910 But it wasn't conclusive as to anything. And it is a non-climber response. You could argue that most climbers are deeper in fear than Honnold is. When you start out you don't know what is going to happen. I learned in the 70s, and taught myself. Every new climb was scary and a challenge; our cliff was about 90 feet, so high enough to get killed but a lot of the climbing was groundfall potential, you are never that high up for the first 1/3rd. The rock sucked, the landings were brutal, the gear and shoes were shit. Alex learned in a period of gyms, and in California, with some of the greatest accessible rock in the world. What makes Honnold special is that he has the technical ability. I have seen a lot of great solos, but nobody can do it at that level. You see him in those open book cracks at the end of FR, he doesn't look like he is sweating it at all. People who are coming at this from outside don't realize most climbers can't do any of those moves. He might as well be doing hundreds of giants on a horizontal bar. You see him on Phoenix, not much tape. The guys who first tried to get up that took huge chunks out of their hands if they weren't taped. But Honnold not only does an unropped ascent (not sure it is exactly solo), but his hands look pretty untouched, and he makes his meeting...

[@LawsOfMoses]

@@smeadows1910to be honest, it’s actually a sign of sociopathy. Many, if not most of undiagnosed sociopaths are CEOs, investors, not serial murderers. An amygdala response dictates that adrenaline responds out of fear, thrill, danger, survival. He has a lesser response. This is why sociopaths are serial killers- the level of adrenaline that is generated from that is what’s required for them to “feel” on a much more equal level to what “normal” people experience from say, a near car crash or good hard run. Release of endorphins in the neurotransmitters. Clinician here just speculating not diagnosing Alex of course.

[@Dee-nonamnamrson8718]

5.13 is insane. The toughest climb I ever climbed was a 5.11d, top rope, and I hang-dogged all over that route. Free soloing a 5.13...

[@danielasterling6936]

RUSSIA ARGENTINA POLAR NATIONS

[@MountainRhode]

What an outstanding athlete. Wonderful

[@evrydayamerican]

Dude my heart is racing just watching this

[@greedisbad9890]

For anyone that want to see something similar I recommend you to watch magnus midtbø free solo with Alex, the twist is that Alex is the camera man

[@spencershields9186]

Would love to see a Behind The Scenes short like this for Marc-Andre doing Nightmare on Wolf Street.

[@danielasterling6936]

CHILE PARAGUAY ARGENTINA SOUTH OF BRAZIL URUGUAY A M S T R A L I A AMERICA AUSTRAL

[@samfurness2058]

That was amazing on one hand and petrifying on the other. What an incredible achievement 👏

[@danielasterling6936]

ACONCAGUA ARGENTINA

[@MazdaSpeedBee]

I love everything about Alex Honnold. The dude is a legend in his sport and as a human being.

[@danielasterling6936]

PUNTA DEL ESTE URUGUAY

[@loopghost]

The hardest route I put any time into was Fish Crack 12b. It felt so insecure at the top that just staying put felt all consuming. The idea that Alex soloed something a full grade harder and certainly more sustained is just bone rattling. Falling off routes that are super thin and overhung… you just don’t know when you’ll be off. Alex is truly the hardest dude who ever lived.

[@coloradomark2159]

Sure hope he gives up the free solo thing. He is a family man now.

[@scottperine8027]

Alex is my true hero and he deserves credit for his many,and counting,accomplishments that he performs on a weekly basis. Free Solo was so deserving of his Oscar nomination.

[@changbeerbeer]

My feet get a strange feeling in them watch this and my palms actually get wet! The combination of mental and physical strength on show here by Alex is mind blowing! 👌

[@itsonlysmellzz]

Im affraid of beeing in an elevator

[@TheJetsfan1221]

its crazy to see him reaching for his seatbelt at 0:47 😭 as if hes not about to hang off the side of mountain with no protection this man is superhuman

[@Joe_Blo]

The penultimate documentary Free Solo was the most terrifying movie I've ever seen. I pulled a muscle in my back cringing from one of the drone down shots. It was also both the most awe inspiring and humbling thing I'll ever witness an individual human being accomplish alone. Whatever you're doing in life, do better.

[@Wish4Fish]

Wow. Made it look so casual. 👏