Emily Harrington konnte im Jahr 2015 die Route „Golden Gate“ am El Capitan im Yosemite zum ersten Mal frei klettern. Damals dauerte es über sechs Tage. Danach begann Sie über einen Durchstieg an einem Tag nachzudenken. Es wurde dann ein solides zweijähriges Projekt, aber ich war immer in meinem Kopf, nachdem ich das erste Mal [Golden Gate] gemacht hatte“, sagte Harrington. Nun war es soweit in 21 Stunden und 13 Minuten schaffe es Emily bis zum Ausstieg.

Die „Huberbuam“ Alexander und Thomas Huber damals sehr aktiv im Yosemite gelang im Jahr 2000 die erste freie Begehung der 36-Seillängenroute.

I never believed I could actually free climb El Cap in a day when I first set the goal for myself. It didn’t seem like a realistic objective for me. I didn’t have the skills, fitness, or risk profile to move so quickly over such a large piece of stone. But I chose it exactly for that reason. Impossible dreams challenge us to rise above who we are now to see if we can become better versions of ourselves.

On Nov 4 I started climbing with @alexhonnold at 1:34am, caught between my own internal drama of achieving a life goal and the more prevalent one of the elections – both unfolding in parallel ways in my brain. I knew I was in for a big day – but that’s exactly why I was there. I wanted to find my limit and exist in it and fight beyond it.

A nasty slip on the 13a Golden Desert pitch almost took my resolve – a deep gash on my forehead left me bloody and defeated. I pulled on again, part of me not really wanting to stay on the wall, the other part gathering courage and flow. I kept thinking “why am I still hanging on?”

The next pitch was the A5 traverse, where I failed last year. This time it was not my limit. I fought hard but with flawless movements in the dark. I cried at the belay – it could happen this time….The final 5 pitches felt scary in my current state but I pulled over the final lip at 10:30pm in disbelief.

There’s a lot more to say but mostly I wanted to express my gratitude for the love and support from friends, family, and strangers. I feel the love so intensely right now. Thank you all
Massive thanks to @alexhonnold for climbing with me over these years, you’ve inspired me to think bigger and believe in myself in ways you cannot imagine. To @jonglassberg for your friendship, creativity, and ability to capture a story while at the same time keeping it light and always fun. And finally to my best friend, partner, lover, fave human of all time @adrianballinger – your support and love for me through the darkness and the light has never wavered. I love you endlessly
More to come!!!

Pic’s: @Jon Glassberg and @Adrian Ballinger