VIDEO: Well wishes from the GOAT – Free Soloist Alex Honnold

Everest Preparation
Written By Robert Alt

Alex Honnold is indisputably the greatest free soloist of all time. 

If you haven’t already watched National Geographic’s Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo, which captured on film one of the most impressive feats of athleticism in history, cancel your plans for this evening and get your popcorn ready. Alex is a rare gem. 

I cannot believe my good fortune to have met him in January 2023 when we got stuck in Antarctica for six days due to missing the only plane out for that week after climbing Vinson Massif. 

Besides Honnold’s spectacular record-setting achievements, he is as endearing and genuine as can be, smart, humble, diligent, and earnest. What a treat to have spent time with him—serendipitously crossing paths on the frozen continent—let alone sharing answers to NY Times crosswords in our van on the blue ice runway while waiting for our flight. 

I am beyond grateful that he sent these kind words of encouragement before my epic expedition: 

Robert Alt

Robert Alt the Founder of PROFOUND CLIMBING™ and the president and chief executive officer of The Buckeye Institute in Columbus, Ohio. He is an accomplished lawyer by profession and a dedicated mountaineer by hobby. 

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