Climber From Czech Republic Scales Yosemite Rock Wall In Record Time

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (AP) -- A climber from the Czech Republic has scaled what's considered one of the world's most challenging rock walls, using only his hands, feet and strength to scramble up the cliff in Yosemite National Park and doing it in record time.

A spokesman for Black Diamond Equipment confirmed Tuesday that 23-year-old Adam Ondra completed a half-mile free-climb up the famed El Capitan's Dawn Wall.

Company spokesman John Dicuollo says Ondra made the second-ever free assent of the wall and finished in eight days.

Two years ago, U.S. free-climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson were first to chart the route, conquering it in 19 days.

Free-climbers use ropes and harnesses only for safety to catch a fall.

Yosemite climber and historian Ken Yager calls Ondra among the world's elite climbers.