Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Emily Harrington Becomes First Woman to Free-Climb El Capitan in Under 24 Hours

Emily Harrington became the fourth person and first woman to free-climb Yosemite National Park's El Capitan within a day last week.

The 34-year-old began her climb at 1:34 a.m. on Wednesday, attempting to become the first woman to conquer the 3,000 foot granite slope in under 24 hours. She reached the top that night in 21 hours, 13 minutes and 51 seconds.

Free climbing can be extremely dangerous. Athletes are allowed to use ropes while they climb to catch them if they fall but are not allowed to use anything for assistance as they work their way up the mountain.