Alex Honnold is an American rock climber renowned for his daring free solo climbs without any ropes or protective gear. He made history in 2017 by being the first person to free-solo El Capitan – a 2,900-foot cliff in Yosemite National Park.
Honnold has amassed an estimated net worth of $2 million from his successful rock climbing career, sponsorships, documentaries, prize money, and books. Honnold stands tall at 180 cm and has completed the Redpoint 5.14d (9a) and Bouldering V12 (8A+) at his highest grades.
About Alex Honnold
Alex Honnold, born on August 17, 1985, in Sacramento, California, U.S., is a highly acclaimed rock climber and an outdoor adventurer. He was born to a German father and a Polish mother, Dierdre Wolownick. His interest in climbing bloomed at a very early age, as he started climbing at a gym when he was only 5 years old. He maintained this passion throughout his adolescence, graduating from Mira Loma High School in Sacramento.
In pursuit of higher education, Honnold enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley. However, his passion for climbing soon superseded his academic pursuits, causing him to drop out of college after his parents divorced during his first year. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle, Honnold lived out of his van for over a decade before buying a house in 2017.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Alexander Honnold |
| Profession | Professional Rock Climber |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1985 |
| Spouse | Sanni McCandless (m. 2020) |
| Height | 180 cm |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 38 |
| Birth Place | Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| @alexhonnold |
Career
As a professional climber, Alex Honnold is recognized as one of the world’s best, particularly known for his daring free solo climbs. In 2008, he rose to fame with his solo climb of the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome, a 2,000-foot ascent, a feat that caught the world’s attention. His fearless approach to climbing and love for adventure have become his defining attributes.
The pinnacle of Honnold’s career came in 2017 when he completed the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, a monumental 2,900-foot (884m) Freerider route in Yosemite National Park. The climb, completed in a mere 3 hours and 56 minutes, was a historic moment in the climbing world. Daniel Duane, a sports writer, referred to Honnold’s ascent as “one of the greatest athletic feats of any kind, ever.”
Alex Honnold’s achievements didn’t stop there. In a remarkable display of skill and speed, Honnold, along with Tommy Caldwell, broke the Nose on El Capitan speed record on June 6, 2018. They became the first climbers to complete the 3000-foot route in under two hours, clocking a time of 1:58:07.
Alex Honnold’s Net Worth, Salary, and Earnings
As of 2023, American rock climber Alex Honnold has an estimated net worth of $2 million, making him one of the most successful and affluent climbers in the world. At 37 years old, Honnold has amassed this considerable wealth through his illustrious rock climbing career and numerous other income avenues.
Primarily, Honnold’s earnings come from his professional climbing activities. With his name firmly etched in the annals of climbing history, Honnold is a sought-after figure for sponsorship deals, which contribute significantly to his annual income.
However, his income is not solely derived from climbing and sponsorships. Honnold has capitalized on his fame and success by venturing into various related fields. He has been featured in several high-profile documentaries, including the Academy Award-winning film “Free Solo,” which chronicled his unprecedented free solo climb of El Capitan. His participation in such projects offers substantial monetary benefits.
Honnold is also an accomplished author, with his books adding to his income streams. His autobiography, “Alone on the Wall,” has been widely received and is a source of revenue for him. Additionally, his involvement in podcasts offers another platform for income generation.
Quick Facts
Alex Honnold’s Wife
Alex Honnold’s wife is Sanni McCandless, whom he married in September 2020. They first met in 2015, at a book signing, and dated for five years before tying the knot. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2022.
Age
Alex Honnold is 38 years old (as of 2023).
Height
Alexander Honnold’s height is 180 cm.
Highest Grade
- Redpoint: 5.14d (9a)
- Bouldering: V12 (8A+)