CNN —On a vertical rockface like El Capitan, the soaring slab of granite in California’s Yosemite National Park, perfection is an elusive, almost impossible goal for professional climbers. Zangerl climbing El Capitan. Eric Bissell for Highpoint ProductionsOther climbers have come close to flashing a route up El Capitan before Zangerl, with asterisks often being placed alongside their completions. In flash climbing, the first attempt is also the last and even a tiny mistake can prove costly. Zangerl and her partner, Jacopo Larcher, rest in a tent on El Capitan.

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Persons: El Capitan, El, Alex Honnold, ”, wasn’t, ” Zangerl, “, Eric Bissell, asterisks, Pete Whittaker, Whittaker, Zangerl, Jacopo Larcher, Miya, ” Larcher, Instagram, Babsi, Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, wedging, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, El, CNN Sport, El Capitan Locations: El, Yosemite, Freerider, Austrian, El Cap, Zangerl, El Capitan, Austria