Alex Honnold, the renowned free solo climber famed for his daring ascent of El Capitan, is married to Sanni McCandless Honnold. The couple, who share a passion for adventure and the outdoors, have recently expanded their family, welcoming their second daughter in February 2024.
Sanni McCandless Honnold: More Than Just Alex Honnold’s Wife
While Alex Honnold often takes the spotlight for his death-defying climbs, Sanni is an accomplished individual in her own right. She’s an adventurer, speaker, and advocate for environmental conservation. Sanni played a significant role in supporting Alex during the filming of the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo, documenting his historic climb.
The couple’s relationship blossomed after meeting at a book signing for Alex’s autobiography, Alone on the Wall. Their shared love for nature and exploration solidified their bond, leading to their marriage in 2018.
Welcoming Baby Number Two: Alice Summer Honnold
The Honnold family welcomed their second daughter, Alice Summer Honnold, on February 4, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alice joins big sister June, who turned two shortly after her sister’s arrival. The couple chose the name Alice to honor Alex’s grandmother.
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Sanni shared that Alice’s birth was a “huge relief” after experiencing complications with June’s delivery, which required an emergency C-section and a week in the NICU. This time, opting for a planned C-section ensured a smoother arrival for their newest addition.
Balancing Parenthood and Adventure: The Honnold Family Life
The Honnolds are committed to raising their daughters with a love for the outdoors, just as they share. Even with a newborn, the family has exciting travel plans for the summer, embracing the challenges and joys of parenthood while pursuing their adventurous spirits.
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Sanni candidly shared the difficulties of managing morning sickness and a toddler while Alex was on a two-month biking trip from Colorado to Alaska. Now reunited, the family of four is navigating the transition to becoming a family of four, with June adjusting to her role as a big sister.
From Greenland to Family Life: Featured in Arctic Ascent
The Honnold family’s adventures are featured in the National Geographic series Arctic Ascent, documenting Alex’s Greenland expedition when June was just five months old. The series offers a glimpse into their family dynamic, showcasing their commitment to both exploration and raising their children.
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Alex Honnold’s marriage to Sanni McCandless Honnold is a partnership built on shared values and a love for adventure. As they embark on this new chapter with their growing family, they continue to inspire others to pursue their passions and embrace the challenges and rewards of life’s journey.