Rock climbing sport tests climbers’ calculations before testing their physical capabilities. The legendary climber Alex Honnold would be totally relating to these words after his recent climb. There comes a certain moment in every climber’s life when things stop going according to his prediction. For Honnold, there have been many such moments, but the latest came during his climb to the highest peak of the South Pole.
Alex Honnold recently twitted pictures of his climb to Mt Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. He also described the sudden turn of events, which made the climb look impossible at one moment.
When Alex Honnold’s prediction failed
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Honnold informed that he was accompanied by Esteban Top in the two-day climb that involved hiking on the first and climbing to the summit on the second day. Honnold and Topo were confident that they’ll easily adjust to the high altitude as they had prior experiences with such climbs. The climbing star was also confident about his healthy body that can survive the pressure as well. “We thought it would be ok since I’d been mountain climbing a bit beforehand”, he wrote.
More pics from Mt Vinson! Topo & I spent day one hiking to high camp & then went to the summit on the second day. It was a slightly aggressive itinerary (normally you’d spend longer adjusting to the altitude) but we thought it would be ok since I’d been mountain climbing… (1/3) pic.twitter.com/WABXpt4EXs
— Alex Honnold (@AlexHonnold) January 20, 2023
However, things turned out to be more difficult than Honnold thought. The rock climbing master revealed that he fell sick and was continuously vomiting due to lack of oxygen. “I felt shockingly bad,” the climber wrote in his tweet. This even made him question his decision to go to Antarctica.
He also revealed that the climb was just like another day for Topo as he is used to the lower levels of oxygen. The only silver lining of the climb was the serene beauty of the white landscape covered with a sheet of sparkling ice till infinity.
Fans react to the heroics of Alex Honnold
The champion climber, like always, made it to the top despite the challenges. Fans have filled up his comment with appreciation and encouragement for his heroics. Many fans almost jumped out after listening to his story and applauded his courage. “It’s madness. You’re the type who accepts challenges. A real inspiration. You motivate without end,” a fan wrote.
It's madness You're the type who accepts the challenges. A real inspiration. You motivate without end. Please go ahead and take care Alex. Great guy.
— Daniel Hinze (@Dan77588) January 20, 2023
Another fan highlighted the broader picture from Honnold’s optimistic approach. He wrote, “Going fast and light is all good, but taking time to acclimatize is more enjoyable kids.”
Well done, Alex and Topo! Going fast and light is all good, but taking time to acclimatize is more enjoyable kids.
— Mike Ramsey (@quantumike) January 20, 2023
Another fan highlighted the dangers of climbing to high altitudes. He wrote, “A good reminder that no amount of fitness provides protection from altitude illnesses like AMS and HAIL”.
Many fans were left speechless after seeing his never-ending spirit to keep pushing for more. He wrote, “Wow is the only word!”, she wrote.
Wow is only word!
— Annie (@InAnnesWorld) January 21, 2023
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Another fan described Honnold’s career in just two words. “Inspiring Alex!”, he wrote.
Inspiring Alex 💙
— Mario Zanolli (@tirandune) January 20, 2023
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Honnold insane climbing stories have always excited the audience and have become a major topic of discussion in the past as well.
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