Alex Honnold is an American rock climber known for his free solo ascents, which means he climbs without ropes or safety gear. He gained worldwide fame for his historic climb of El Capitan, a massive granite wall in Yosemite National Park, completed in June 2017. This achievement was documented in the award-winning film Free Solo. Born on August 17, 1985, in Sacramento, California, Honnold began climbing at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the sport. He has set numerous speed records and is recognized for his exceptional skills and mental focus, making him one of the most influential climbers in the world.