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Solo climber is 1st up Yosemite’s El Capitan without ropes

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) An elite rock climber became the first to climb alone to the top of the massive granite wall known as El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without using ropes or safety gear.

Alex Honnold completed the ”free solo” climb Saturday in nearly four hours, according to National Geographic, which documented the historic ascent. A photo posted on the magazine’s website shows the grinning 31-year-old wearing just a pair of black pants after reaching the summit.

Honnold later tweeted that he was ”so stoked to realize a dream today.”

Observers said his feat has pushed the limits in a sport that requires a high level of athleticism, risk-taking and mental focus.