What are you up against? | Tommy Caldwell | TEDxKC
Tommy Caldwell is a big-wall free climber, over 19 days in early 2015 he completed the first-ever free climb of the Dawn Wall at El Capitan (considered the hardest climb of its type in the world).
Tommy's talk raises an interesting question: why do some people experience post-traumatic growth? Tommy credits his father who understood the idea of raising kids with grit long before it became a parenting buzzword; believing you must prepare your child for the path, not the path for your child.”
Tommy Caldwell began climbing not long after he learned to walk. When his father, a larger-than-life bodybuilder and mountain guide, introduced him to the world of adventure, he handed him an eternal flame.
As a teenager, talent and passion led Caldwell to the top of the competition climbing and sport climbing circuits. Soon after, as his appetite for adventure grew, he became obsessed with the incredibly demanding genre of big-wall free climbing.
But in his early twenties, Caldwell was held hostage by militants in a harrowing ordeal in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, and then, upon returning home, he lost his index finger in a home remodeling accident. Caldwell emerged with a renewed grit and ability to suffer, further cultivating his legendary determination.
His subsequent free climbing accomplishments on El Capitan - the Mecca of the pursuit - remain unmatched, and most of his peers consider Caldwell the best all-around rock climber in the world.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
Пікірлер: 123
“Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s unbecoming everything that isn’t you so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.”
@kasperhansen4472
3 жыл бұрын
Very true cpcnw, well put.
@aidangriffiths5075
2 жыл бұрын
Deep
Caldwell is so emotional, so sensitive, and this side of his personality passes on to us. I don't know a person who didn't cry at the end of the film, when he and KJ finish the climb. Caldwell is both an angel and a sacred monster.
Tommy, you are a true legend!
@highlyfavored2434
5 жыл бұрын
His character truly came alive when he decided to wait for his partner Kevin to send pitch 19 on dawn wall instead of pushing ahead and leaving him behind. Great guy
@ShaigKhaligli
4 жыл бұрын
@@highlyfavored2434 Yeah exactly ! I always think about that decision by Tommy. He has such a strong character.
just watched The Dawn Wall movie. Excellent. Unbelievable achievement.
@Matt-gk4jy
5 жыл бұрын
Same here. Incredible story. The perseverance of this guy is inspiring.
@dianebays5484
5 жыл бұрын
Same! He's awesome!
3 years ago.... I watched you projecting this climb just before my, now husband, proposed to me in El Cap Meadow. He said I made it hard for him to say his "speech" because all I could talk about was how awesome it was that you were projecting it. Climbing is our world to(bouldering and sport), and we look up to you for inspiration.... Good work, on the wall, and on this show. Very well done.
ps. Funny story. One day my daughter came home from middle school and said her gym teacher was teaching them about how to climb. I kind of shrugged it off as a bit of a climber myself. Went to parent teacher night and the guy was Mike Caldwell lol.
@kayasawyer8379
7 жыл бұрын
FyGary Schmidt
@justinkoh4594
5 жыл бұрын
r/ThatHappened
@LachlanGB
5 жыл бұрын
@@justinkoh4594 It's not a particularly exciting story to make up Justoh...
@MegzWassup1215
2 жыл бұрын
@@justinkoh4594 r/nothingeverhappens also this isn’t Reddit
@TT-tk8kn
2 жыл бұрын
Çocuk ıpııpııpıpıpııpııppıpııpppıppıppııııpıpııppıııppııpıpıpııppııpıpppııppııpııpıııpııııııpı
Probably won't read this Tommy, sure you're super busy, but as a climber myself, knowing just a little of your struggles inspires me as I chase my own "impossible" dreams. As a new father I really appreciate your view on hardships and the opportunity that lies within them. It is clear to me that you truly understand the phrase Carpe Diem, and live it each day. As person in the spotlight I can't think of any other pro athlete that I respect more or would rather spend time with, climb with or even shake the hand of. Thanks for everything you do and have done for the wonderful sport of rock climbing. And I thank you most for the attitude and commitment to hard work and self determination. I hope I have the chance to meet you somewhere along the way. Happy sending wherever the peaks and cliffs call you! - Josh, Salt Lake
Anyone who has faced tremendous challenge can at least begin to grasp what you describe here, Tommy. I truly bow to you. As a former national level competitive gymnast, I have found myself perturbed by sports announcers who clearly have no idea of the complexity and precision required of a gymnast ... yet my own experiences feel rather minor compared to what you went through so humbly/triumphantly. How wonderful of you to share this story!! Thank you!
Just Lost the same part of the same finger. Was having a really hard time dealing with it right up until seeing this. Thank you Tommy. Although I had an extraordinary accident, I wont allow it to limit me to live an un-extraordinary life. 6 year update - I’m now a paramedic. Just like the people that came to help me the day of my accident, I now help others.
@chin-wontai8506
7 жыл бұрын
r
@ckuck20
5 жыл бұрын
If u like this, watch The Dawn Wall. Dude is a beast! As a human and a climber.
@user-xs6rz1gk6f
5 жыл бұрын
👍
@TheMegaMrMe
5 жыл бұрын
how has your recovery been?
@annapurna9893
3 жыл бұрын
Props to you!
A young man who climbed an actual mountain, who has in turn inspired thousands to climb many metaphorical obstacles. BRAVO and thank you. 🎯👏👏👏👏
Love your finishing thoughts in your book. Your growth all leading to the realization that your value was founded in how much you gave to others and that climbing was merely the first venue. The biggest disservice would be to discount your climbing but I think many people are excited to see the future of what you offer. Thank you for being an inspiration but more importantly a foundation and rock for your family.
His book...."Push"....is a fabulous read. He writes really well.
Great talk indeed. I loved to see and hear more of Tommy´s history. Really inspiring.
Very well done. Great talk and a much needed message. Thanks for your living your dream and inspiring us all to live ours as well, pushing "barriers" which are only really potential "projects" as you call them.
What a mind broadening talk. Teaching us to always understand our limits are way in front of our narrow vision.
Watching the Dawn Wall now..God said let's go all out when we make this one let's call him Tommy Caldwell. What an inspiration 👏 he doing something that I first off could never achieve and he's doing it like he was born to for this🙏🧗♀️💪
"All I wanted to do is sit silently with my wife." Wish I could hang out with Tommy for a day. What an amazing guy.
@connorchilders6215
2 жыл бұрын
i thought he was abt to say "All i wanted to do, was flip off the doctor"
"anything worth having doesn't come easy" awesome quote
What a man. What a life. Absolutely incredible.
Inspiring and articulate, great job!!
I just finished watching your Ted Talk Tommy.... Thank you... for your example of perseverance and your dogged determination!! Wow... It was great to hear you share your motivation for the climb and in brief your commitment to tackle Dawn Wall... Congratulations for not giving up on your 'research project!'.. :-)
Wow. Thanks a lot for sharing!!!
Always inspiring to listen to this man...
this is great and inspiring. all the best for you and your wife Tommy.
i saw the documentary of his climbing the Dawn Wall; i think he was a brave man when he pushed that guy off the cliff; what a great protector...I was thinking from the GF's perpective. He had sheer determination to conquer the Dawn Wall. I was very impressed.
Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
"I'm grateful for that damn tablesaw" As someone who has struggled with chronic injury as a roadblock to their physical goals those are some resonating words.
You're the man, Tommy! Loved the movie.
Truely inspiring man
Love this, Tommy!
This was great👍🏻😊💯
Thank You Tommy
...and I'm crying.
Thank you Tommy
One of my favorite humans.
i went t ok school with this guy. he was cool
Electrifying and inspiring
I watched this documentary on Netflix and it was absolutely amazing. It really goes to show what a human person can endure and really do in their lifetime man I feel so unaccomplished LOL
Some great lessons here.
4:43 hit me just when I need it
Such a legend
Well said.
Fitz Caldwell, what a fuckin rad name.
This guy is a legend
Great speech, super inspiring! Thank you!
I wish my father toughened me up by having me go rock climbing instead of insulting, criticising, punishing and beating me at every step.
old video yes but my dad went to high school a few years ahead of him
What a life
The guy he pushed apparently ended up living.
@Yosef9438
6 жыл бұрын
They met later, as well; the guy he pushed said he didn't blame him at all.
@StevenBonus
5 жыл бұрын
Psuffix wait what?!
@ThmsDouglas
5 жыл бұрын
Can't find anything online verifying hes alive, not one thing.
@chackotaco6482
5 жыл бұрын
Kihlo Seven it’s true. Watch the documentary “Dawn Wall”
@ThmsDouglas
5 жыл бұрын
@@chackotaco6482 Yeah seen it multiple times there's no mention of the guy living, nothing. I'm not saying it's not true I just can't find anything.
that's how he overcame....hes thankful............
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The soldier he pushed off the cliff survived, according to his Wiki page
@dianebays5484
5 жыл бұрын
But, I bet it ruined his whole afternoon.
@stevenmeyer9674
2 жыл бұрын
He was put on trial for murder, kidnapping, and more crimes. He probably wished he would have died in the fall.
"What are you up against" What a title
i wish he would become my best friend/ climbing buddy
@hossentc
7 жыл бұрын
didn't know you're a climber Liam?
@strawdawgs78
7 жыл бұрын
He likes to climb wonderwalls.
He lost his index finger yet still is one of the top climbers.
Can someone please, write down the words from 4:15 to 4:24, thanks
@andreigabzdyl5270
8 жыл бұрын
+Aiz Yasser Montes Lima I reached out grabbed the gun strap that was still over his shoulder and i pulled as hard as i could and he arched backwards falling freely. A wheezing thud broke the silence from far below.
5:20, 6:32, 9:47
Insane story and I thought he was just known for climbing
Oh, it is pointless! and I love it
Get him a bottle of water!!
Wonder why Beth and he divorced... they both seem like amazing people
@jessicaford3155
7 жыл бұрын
Codependency issues and incompatibility, in a nutshell. Highly recommend reading his new book The Push. Quite a powerful memoir of his life
@WonkoTheSane99
3 жыл бұрын
She cheated on him and banged another guy. That and she kept repeatedly talking about how she never rly loved him but felt indebted to him for saving her life.
@stevenmeyer9674
2 жыл бұрын
@@WonkoTheSane99 Don't you just love youtube comments? That was sarcasm if you couldn't tell.
Sasha Digiulian did this talk about one of her climbs. Cheesy presentation. who's idea is this?
what do we learn????legalize drugs!!!!
You're are an idiot and brought this upon your own self, and have nooooooo support therefore.
@actionreplay2165
2 жыл бұрын
Lol You a funny guy
@t.jonnson7306
2 жыл бұрын
@@actionreplay2165 - I care.
Wtf is a Ted talk? Who payed for the chopper ride?
Laughable analysis.
how can it be climbing like you can keep trying to jump and jump on that same spot each time. in everest you call you die.
@davidcadavid4207
5 жыл бұрын
Kinda unfair to compare Everest to the Dawn Wall as they're totally different types of climbing. More people have summited Everest than completed the Dawn Wall. Everest is more so mountaineering and a good part of it is just "follow the leader;" plus, you're still tied in on some parts of the climb. Falling does not necessarily mean you die. While it's technical, it's not the most technical or deadly climb in the world. What makes Everest so difficult is the weather and altitude, not the technicality. Not to knock Everest though, it's definitely an achievement that the average person cannot do but once again, you're comparing two totally different sports. In fact, you don't necessarily have to be a climber to summit everest. However, you've gotta be more than just a climber to free climb the Dawn Wall.
Wish more of the younger generation had that attitude. Most young men these days are all into entitlement, metrosexualism, being lazy and taking lazy way out, avoiding pain and hardship at all cost, and finding any far fetched way to protray themselves as some kind of victim.
OR... you could not fuckin go to remote areas in politically unstable countries
I have heard eulogies at funerals more exciting than his speech --- so fake --- not coming from the heart -- kind of like a politician's pitch for election