[003] Breaking Ground - Part 2: Paraclimbing First Ascents

Story

This is part two of two of Mark Wellman’s story. If you haven’t heard part 1 yet, you’re missing out on the whole lead up to his climb on El Cap. Mark Wellman is a para-athlete most well-known for the first para-ascents of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Also a Paralympian, he competed as a skier in two winter games in France and later lit the Paralympic Torch at the 1996 summer games in Atlanta.

From his website:

“Mark lives in Northern California where he operates his business No Limits. Whether training for new wilderness adventures, or touring the country as a motivational speaker, Mark constantly strives to break down barriers. From college campuses to corporate boardrooms he has become a nationally known influence for the disabled and able-bodied alike. With his dynamic style and bold determination, Mark continues to encourage his audiences to fulfill their dreams by reaching for higher goals to success.”

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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