YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif.—Two Americans who completed what had long been considered the world’s most difficult rock climb say they hope their feat inspires others to follow their own passions.
Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson became the first to free-climb El Capitan’s Dawn Wall in Yosemite National Park. They used ropes and safety harnesses in case of a fall but relied only on their hands, feet and strength to reach the 3,000-foot summit.
Both said Thursday, a day after finishing their historic ascent, that they were overcome with emotion that so many people found their journey inspirational.
Jorgeson says the climb should show people to use teamwork and never give up on their dreams.
Caldwell of Estes Park, Colorado, and Jorgeson of Santa Rosa, California, trained for six years.
From The Associated Press
