Honnold's Wife's Climb Terror: "Thank God It Wasn't ME!"

With Alex Honnold, the daredevil of "Free Solo" fame, back on solid ground after his latest skyscraper escapade, you can practically hear the collective sigh of relief from his loved ones. This time, it wasn't a sheer rock face he was conquering, but the towering Taipei 101 in Taiwan, all for a new Netflix special. But what's it like to watch someone you love risk it all like that?

Honnold's Wife's Climb Terror: "Thank God It Wasn'...

Sanni McCandless, Honnold's wife, put it pretty succinctly. She admitted to a hefty dose of relief that she wasn't the one clinging to the side of that 1,667-foot behemoth. Can't say I blame her! She described what she called her "internal experience" while witnessing the ascent, and it sounds like a rollercoaster of emotions, albeit one carefully managed with years of experience.

“I knew the second he left the ground," McCandless explained, "it would all just, not fade away, but kind of get quieter, be more of an internal experience, and then just be joyful." It's fascinating to hear her perspective. The pre-climb anxiety, the "waiting," melts away, replaced by a focused, almost meditative state. Then comes the pure joy of seeing her husband doing what he's truly passionate about. She continued, "So, I was really happy once it just started, there wasn’t any waiting, and he got to do what he wanted to do.” Honestly, that's the dream, isn't it? Finding that thing, that pursuit that consumes you.

But it's not just about blind faith. McCandless emphasized the unwavering support that underpins their relationship. "So, I felt that in my heart, of we’re liking in, full support mode, whatever happens happens. I’m just here for you. I’m here to problem-solve, support, be optimistic, be positive, make sure everything’s in line." It's a partnership built on mutual trust and a deep understanding of each other's needs. It's about being there, not just in the good times, but also when the stakes are incredibly high.

And it goes both ways, apparently. "Alex does that for me in my projects and in my life and my work," McCandless added. "That’s what makes us a good team, I think.” It's a beautiful reminder that even the most extreme adventurers rely on the support of loved ones to pursue their passions. It sounds like they've found a pretty solid balance. Me? I’ll stick to climbing the stairs in my apartment building, thank you very much.