Being Aron Ralston

Trapped by a boulder, a climber amputated his arm in order to escape. Six years later he still struggles with the meaning of his survival. (NYT)

In his early twenties, Aron Ralston hoped to become the first person to solo climb all of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains during winter. Foolishly, he says, he took great risks for the sake of self-discovery.

During a low-risk hike in Utah in 2003, Ralston’s found himself facing the ultimate challenge of life and death.

A falling boulder trapped his right arm, pinning him to the rock wall. After six days he decided his only hope for survival was to cut his arm off with a small knife. He then made a tourniquet and was able to hike out to safety.

This New York Times video revisits Ralston’s now-famous story and reveals a thoughtful and philosophical man who works full-time as a motivational speaker. “You’re never more grateful for being alive than after you’ve almost died,” he says.

CHANNEL: New York Times

Length: 5:05

By Kassie Bracken and Michael Brick
Photography: Kevin Moloney and Aron Ralston

VIEW: http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/03/31/sports/othersports/1194838580097/being-aron-ralston.html

SEE ALSO:
“Climber Still Seeks Larger Meaning in His Epic Escape” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/sports/othersports/01ralston.html