“I Do Engage in Other Risky Behavior”: Rock Climbing Legend Alex Honnold Once Opened Up on Managing Adrenaline Rush

American climber, Alex Honnold has contributed significantly to the sport of rock climbing. In an interview with Roam Media, he once revealed an insightful outlook of his judgment and perspectives on risks. Additionally, he even expressed his views on gambling and how that’s not related to the kind of perils he sportingly takes.

In an attempt to popularize the sport, Honnold even established his new podcast venture Climbing Gold on Youtube. Even though rock climbing as an extreme sport doesn’t enter the mainstream media, Alex Honnold has been able to carve out a major chunk of popularity since his free solo at the El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in 2017, him being the first-ever climber to do so. Risks are always soaring high for a climber and learning the perspectives of the greats of the game helps understand the risks better.

Alex Honnold’s notion of risks

Talking about viewpoints, Honnold certainly masters that part. Likewise, the 37-year-old athlete once opened up about his panorama of the kind of risks he approves of and also the ones he doesn’t, in an interview with Roam Media. Moreover, Honnold denied the perception of the world that he has a “higher tolerance for risks.”

“I do engage in other risky behavior, like fast driving or fast downhill skiing,” the California native clarified his brand of risks while deliberating with Roam Media. He disclosed that he would rather engross himself in activities that are “conventionally considered risk-taking.” Honnold added, “But I just don’t see it as that risky. If you’re driving a decent car, and you’re going fast, it’s just you’re on the freeway.” 

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However, the free solo athlete also mentioned that he never grasps the concept of people taking risks while gambling. He suggested that he would never try a hand at those games, even though he is a resident of Las Vegas now. Additionally, he added that it is pretty “stupid” to engage in such risks since losing is inevitable in such cases. 

The underlying superpower of Alex Honnold

In yet another interesting discussion, the remarkable climber revealed his special ability that enhances his risk-taking potential. In a Harvard Business Review Magazine interview, he disclosed that a certain part of his brain, specifically, the amygdala responded to risky stimuli unusually in comparison to that of a “normal” person. Hence, taking his affinity for adrenaline rushes a notch up.

“My brain is different—just as the brain of a monk who has spent years meditating,” he stated. However, Honnold explicitly shed light on the fact that he wasn’t gifted with this ability but it is something he developed over time with consistency.

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Alex Honnold is the torchbearer of the sport of rock climbing. Additionally, its recent incorporation into the Olympics Games has been a monumental step to further its popularity.

What do you reckon of Honnold’s approach to risk? Let us know.