Steven is blind but extremely optimistic.
After six days, Steven finally reached the summit.
According to foreign media reports, there is a 3,000-foot (approximately 915 meters) tall rock formation called El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park, USA, which is regarded as a prime climbing spot by many climbers. Steven Bate, a blind climber from the UK, spent six days scaling the cliff face entirely on his own, an astonishing feat.
Reportedly, 35-year-old Steven was formerly a climbing instructor. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that doctors said would cause his vision to deteriorate until he became completely blind.
Steven’s climb was intended to raise funds for a charity for the blind. To complete the ascent, Steven had to carry around 100 kilograms of gear on his back and climb alone. At night, he slept in a hammock suspended from the cliff face. After six full days of effort, Steven successfully reached the top of the rock face, becoming the first blind person to conquer El Capitan.
Steven said the climbing process was indeed extremely challenging. “When I reached the summit, I could hardly understand where my strength came from.” He added that it took him several days to recover his strength after reaching the top, but he was still very happy.
Steven expressed hope that his actions would inspire others, especially people with disabilities, to believe that anything is possible. “If I can do it, anyone can.”