Breaking Ground - Part 1: Mark Wellman’s Fall & Rise

Story

Fear is a gift. Without fear there is no balance to allow for hope, relief, safety. But how do we balance fear and hubris? Hubris and acceptance? If our fate is inevitable as soon as we slip, then how can we decide which is more important before we fall? Because, as every climber knows, it’s not if we fall, it’s how far. This month’s episode is a two part-er, the story of Mark Wellman’s incredible climbing triumphs after he lost the use of his legs. Come back next month for part 2!

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Sources

Mark Wellman

• Climbing Back by Mark Wellman and John Flinn

• https://www.deanza.edu/dsps/ape/about/index.html

• https://www.carmenkohlruss.com/mike-corbett

• https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/changing-attitudes.htm

• Sports N’ Spokes November/December 1988 Volume 14 Number 4

  • The magazine for Wheelchair Sports and Recreation 

  • Photo by Greg Lais

• https://www.mntnfilm.com/en/film/no-barriers-1994

• https://www.nolimitstahoe.com/adventures/index.htm

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4xOKf865zs

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-hl7Tk8hTE

• https://youtu.be/CuZBato27wQ?si=gnkrbdPw5MUX61OO&t=125

Mike Corbett

• https://www.climbing.com/news/mike-corbett-obituary

Other People Mentioned

• Wayne Willoughby

  • https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/he-falls-making-dinner-but-climbs-el-cap-wayne-willoughby/id1725368341?i=1000678331604

  • https://www.paradoxsports.org/wayne-zodiac/

  • https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/climbing-el-capitan-with-adaptive-athlete-wayne-willoughby

• John Yablonski

  • https://www.climbing.com/culture-climbing/bouldering-sit-start-john-yablonski/

• Erin Broadbent

  • https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/changing-attitudes.htm

Mountains, Geology & Route Guides

• https://www.mountainproject.com/route/107429493/the-shield

• https://www.summitpost.org/the-shield/157426

• http://www.supertopo.com/rock-climbing/Yosemite-Valley-Half-Dome-Tis-sa-ack

• https://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/lights_and_shadows/tissaack.html

• https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-did-half-dome-massive-rock-monument-yosemite-national-park-acquire-its-unique-shape