Milestones Aug. 6, 2007

DIED

Most rock climbers get enough adrenaline from the challenge of ascending a cliff with just a harness and rope in case of a fall. Michael Reardon, a global star in the extreme sport of "free solo" climbing, donned only sticky-soled shoes and a bag of chalk to keep his hands dry, saying gear interfered with the "purity of the experience." ("Climbing is all about going until you get too scared to go any farther, like when you were a kid climbing trees," he explained.) The Californian's most famous feat came in 2005, with his first-ever solo ascent of Romantic Warrior, a...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!