{"id":31910,"date":"2018-04-04T08:36:47","date_gmt":"2018-04-04T15:36:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=31910"},"modified":"2018-11-11T22:12:45","modified_gmt":"2018-11-12T06:12:45","slug":"the-evolving-role-of-the-professional-outdoor-athlete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/news\/the-evolving-role-of-the-professional-outdoor-athlete","title":{"rendered":"The Evolving Role Of The Professional Outdoor Athlete"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Jan. 21, 2018, Alex Honnold<\/a> attended the Women\u2019s March in Las Vegas along with thousands of others rallying in support of women\u2019s rights and other issues. Dressed demurely in black sweats and holding a hand-drawn cardboard sign that read, \u201cWomen\u2019s rights are human rights,\u201d Alex blended in with the estimated 20,000 supporters<\/a> as he marched into Sam Boyd Stadium. Afterward, he shared photos from the event on Instagram, a seemingly innocent and nearly requisite action in modern social media culture. The post generated more than 56,000 likes (because Alex just happens to be the most famous rock climber in the world), along with immediate criticism from fans. One in particular stands out, not because of its political opposition, but in the commentary about Alex\u2019s role as a professional climber, \u201cAlex, I follow you for your climbing stoke and prowess, not your politics. Stick to what you\u2019re great at and don\u2019t confuse things or I\u2019m cutting you loose.\u201d<\/p>\n

And Alex doesn\u2019t disagree, \u201cI\u2019m not an activist. I\u2019m a rock climber.\u201d Regardless of intention, the impact of Alex\u2019s stance is just as powerful as an athlete heavily focused on activism. \u201cIt\u2019s not about having the platform, it\u2019s about doing the right thing. You should care about being a decent human being,\u201d he said. Practical advice from the man who pursues just about the most impractical type of rock climbing imaginable. He adds, \u201cSometimes standing up for your convictions can be harder than overcoming physical fear.\u201d<\/p>\n

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For everyone telling me to stick to climbing – here\u2019s a climbing pic. And here\u2019s something else to think about: sometimes standing up for your convictions can be harder than overcoming physical fear. Being at the Women\u2019s March made me appreciate the uphill struggle that so many marginalized communities face. They are courageous in a way that I can\u2019t imagine, the least I can do is support their struggle for equality. All humans have the same inherent dignity and rights. Sure, some signs at the rally might be offensive. Some might even be vulgar. But who cares?! Freedom of speech is one of the things that makes this country great but too many people have had to wait far too long to be heard. I, for one, was glad for the opportunity to go and listen. Pic: @jimmy_chin<\/a><\/p>\n

A post shared by Alex Honnold<\/a> (@alexhonnold) on