- NAME: Aron Lee Ralston
- SPORT: Mountaineer
- OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker
- BIRTH DATE: October 27, 1975
- PLACE OF BIRTH: Marion, Ohio
- PUBLISHED BOOK: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Aron Ralston became one of the most famous mountaineer/canyoneers in the World after one of the most miraculous stories you will ever hear. You might have even had the chance to meet Aron as he tours the USA speaking at school assemblies. Aron's story is so fascinating that a big blockbuster movie was made about what happened in 2011. Learn more about Aron in his Kidzworld bio.
Boulder Baby
Aron RalstonCourtesy of www.backpacker.com
Aron was born in Ohio, but the mountains of Colorado attracted his family to move when he was just a kid and Aron began tackling the mountains when he was only 11 years old. He went to University and got a degree in engineering (and if you don't know what that is, it's kind of like figuring out how things work). After graduating, Aron moved to Aspen, Colorado and pursued a life of rock climbing.
Aron's Accident
Aron Ralston BioCourtesy of Aron Ralston
Aron's accident is so freaky, it will give you goosebumps every time you think about him. Exploring the canyons alone in Utah, he fell down a narrow slot canyon. During the fall, a boulder came loose and pinned his arm against the canyon wall preventing him from being able to move. Aron was able to survive the incident with some food, a bottle of water which kept him alive in the desert-heat-canyon for the proceeding 127 hours. He was able to use some tools he had brought with him to get loose, but the way he escaped is too gruesome too write about here!
127 Hours
Scene from 127 HoursCourtesy of gearjunkie.com
Hollywood bought Aron's story and made an amazing film about Aron's accident and they called it "127 Hours" after how long he spent trapped. Aron had actually filmed himself with his own video camera as he was trapped so the filmmakers were able to witness the real live footage. You can even watch a clip of Aron's real footage on YouTube:
Motivational Mountaineer
Aron's will to save his life from this disastrous situation is very inspiring to everyone. He travels across the world telling his story to motivate people to persevere no matter how hopeless life may seem. Here is a list of some the great things Aron has been able to do since his accident:
- Late Show with David Letterman
- The Late Late Show (Ireland)
- Dateline NBC
- Today Show
- Good Morning America
- Ellen
- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
- GQ: Man of the Year
- Cartoon character for "the Simpsons" (episode: Treehouse of Horror XXII)
- Act on a Reality TV Show called "Alone in the Wild" for one episode
- Published his Autobiography "Between a Rock and a Hard Place"
Have Your Say...
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