Patagonia and Adidas celebrate the conquering of El Capitan
15/01/2015
The 3,000 foot wall is considered to be one of the hardest climbs in the world due to its blank face.
The pair used nothing but their hands and feet to move upward, relying only on their ropes to stop falls and pull equipment. When they were not climbing, they occupied portaledges, with aluminium frames that can be anchored to the rock wall.
Mr Caldwell has been a Patagonia ambassador since 2008, and the company congratulated him on the achievements.
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard said: “When we first climbed the North American Wall on El Cap in 1964, we thought, ‘Well, that proves that any big wall in the world can be climbed.’ We never dreamed they could be climbed all free!”
Mr Caldwell has been training for the climb for seven years. He is recognised as one of the best all-around climbers of his time and is currently one of National Geographic’s 2015 Adventurers of the Year.
Kevin Jorgeson arrived at the top wearing Adidas Outdoor.
"Kevin and Tommy have truly created a breakthrough in the world of rock climbing, and we are incredibly proud of them," said Greg Thomsen, managing director of adidas Outdoor US. "They have made history today in the sport and have accomplished a truly amazing feat, not only in establishing the hardest big wall rock climb in the world but also doing it with impressive style and grace. They have set a new standard for dreaming big and never giving up until those dreams come true."
Mr Jorgeson began climbing competitively at the age of 14. In 2009 he co-founded Pro Climbers International, an agency and advocacy group aimed at developing and inspiring generations of climbers.
Image: Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgensen celebrating the first free ascent of the Dawn Wall
Credit: Chris Burkard
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