Biography:
Carolynn Marie Hill, widely known as Lynn Hill, was born on January 3, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in Fullerton, California, as the fifth of seven children. Her mother worked as a dental hygienist, while her father was an aerospace engineer. Hill’s active nature led her to climb everything in sight, from trees to streetlights, even at a young age.
During her childhood, Hill began learning gymnastics at the age of eight. However, she quickly grew dissatisfied with the expectations placed on girls in the sport. Disliking the requirement to perform cute routines and smile, she decided to quit gymnastics at the age of 12. Despite her departure, Hill had been a part of a successful YMCA gymnastics team that competed in southern California and performed halftime shows for the California Angels.
In her autobiography, Climbing Free: My Life in the Vertical World, Hill describes her early discovery of rock climbing. From a young age, she exhibited a natural aptitude for the activity. As she delved further into climbing, Hill became involved in the climbing community in Southern California and Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley. In the early 1980s, she embarked on a journey across the United States, taking on increasingly difficult routes and setting records for first female ascents as well as first ascents.
From 1986 to 1992, Hill established herself as one of the world’s most accomplished sport climbers. During this period, she claimed over thirty international titles and won five victories at the Arco Rock Master competition. This coincided with a pivotal moment in climbing history when female climbers began to catch up to their male counterparts. Hill stood at the forefront, shaping the landscape of rock climbing for women and contributing to the sport’s wider popularity. She emerged as not only one of the best female climbers globally but also one of the best climbers in the history of the sport.
In 1992, Hill made a significant decision that marked a turning point in her career. She left competitive climbing behind and returned to her roots in traditional climbing. To challenge herself further, she set her sights on free climbing The Nose of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley, a daunting endeavor even for the most experienced climbers. Free climbing involves ascending a route using only hands, feet, and other body parts, with ropes and other safety equipment being used solely for protection against falls. The Nose had been traditionally climbed with some aid from equipment, but Hill aimed to conquer it free of any artificial support.
Hill’s pursuit of free climbing The Nose became her greatest climbing feat. In 1993, she accomplished the historic first free ascent, propelling her into the annals of climbing history. Not content with this achievement alone, she returned the following year and completed the route in less than 24 hours, solidifying her status as a climbing legend. Hill’s accomplishment on El Capitan exemplified her unwavering determination, skill, and unparalleled love for the vertical world.
Throughout her career, Hill has continued to conquer ambitious climbs and push the boundaries of the sport. She remains an active climber to this day, demonstrating her enduring passion and commitment. In 2013, she served as a sponsored athlete for the renowned outdoor gear and clothing company, Patagonia. Additionally, Hill owns a small business that offers climbing courses, further contributing to the growth and development of the climbing community.
Lynn Hill’s impact extends beyond her climbing accomplishments. As one of the first successful women in the sport, she played a vital role in shaping climbing for women and advocating for gender equality. Hill’s ascent of The Nose and subsequent achievements inspired countless climbers, both male and female, and helped bridge the gap between genders in the climbing community. Her dedication and pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on the history of women in climbing.