#43 Lynn Hill - “IT GOES, BOYS!” – Rewriting History, Mentoring is the Greatest Gift, Thoughts On Olympics, And Why You Need To Dream BIG!
Description
Imagine standing at the base of El Capitan in the early 1990s. The Nose, one of the most famous and daunting climbing routes in the world, stretches nearly 3,000 feet above you. At this time, no one—not even the best climbers in the world—has free climbed it. Enter Lynn Hill. In 1993, she not only becomes the first person to free climb *The Nose*, but she does it in a single day, a feat that redefined what was possible in climbing. This wasn’t just a physical achievement; it was a moment that shattered gender barriers, set new standards, and echoed throughout the entire world of outdoor sports.
In this episode, we take you into that pivotal moment and beyond. We’ll relive Lynn’s historic ascent and explore what it meant to be at the cutting edge of climbing during a time when sponsorship was rare, the sport was still developing in the U.S., and women in climbing were a minority. Lynn didn’t just ascend rock faces—she broke through cultural and gender barriers in a male-dominated sport.
But this conversation isn’t just about Lynn’s remarkable climbs. As we dig deeper, we uncover the mindset, the discipline, and the sheer determination that made her one of the most influential climbers of all time. Lynn shares what it was like to grow up in the sport, what kept her pushing limits when others might have doubted her, and how she still maintains that passion 50 years into her climbing career.
Lynn has made a fantastic 'Fundamentals of Climbing' video series for beginners and experienced climbers alike! Highly recommended. Find it here: Fundamentals of Climbing with Lynn Hill' 🙌🏽
CALL TO ACTION:
- Lynn is deeply involved in giving back to the climbing community and protecting the outdoor spaces she loves. If you’d like to contribute to her ongoing efforts at creating a community in Hueco Tanks, TX, you can reach out to her via lynn@lynnhillclimbing.com for more info. The Hueco Tanks project will support climbing initiatives, environmental conservation, and mentorship programs for young climbers.
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More on Lynn at:
https://lynnhillclimbing.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_linacolina_/
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