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General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

Dano Osman - Insane Speed Climbing 30-Apr-2006 At 7:20:46 PM duglash

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Yeah I have to say I'm with you Simey. I think there is a world of difference in the approach between
Croft and Osman (which is admittedly difficult to quantify). When I was 20 I would have agreed with you
Phil, but having seen the impact that death causes on siblings, parents and friends I can't respect putting
what seems to me an adrenaline buzz addiction ahead of the deep wishes of your friends and family to
have you around, hopefully to a ripe old age.

"adrenaline buzz addiction" makes it sound like I am cheapening Osman's achievements. I am definitely
impressed by them, but also don't respect them. They seem more like stunts than achievements to me..
I think the important thing is motivation - why did he want to do such things so much when it must have
been obvious that there was a reasonable chance that something would go wrong and if it did it would
be all over. It seems to me that the motivation is more adrenalin, attention and respect from peers -
which I don't see as being as valid as a more personal wellspring of desire (again difficult to define)
which motivates people to do risky things. I see more of this motivation/approach in Croft's soloing, for
example.

I think it's more likely that his death will have a negative impact on his daughter - trying to reconcile that
your father would rather risk death jumping off El Cap than be there for you. I can imagine it being very
damaging to her self esteem - but people are all different and react differently to situations.

From the article: "By dying," Osman said, "I would be letting everybody down—my family, my friends ...
My daughter will manage, she'll be okay ... but I'd be robbing her."