When we ordinary people hear about athletes (1)______________ as Honnold breaking new records and pushing the boundaries of human achievement, there is a tendency to think, ‘Shouldn’t I be trying harder to be the (2)____________ possible version of me? What could I achieve with a little more effort?’ And towards the end of Free Solo, Honnold himself recommends that people identify clear goals, and (3)_____________ everything they can to achieve them. (4)____________ the goals you or I might set ourselves to run a half-marathon, master a new language, or get that promotion are not in the (5)_______________ league as Honnold’s. Watching Free Solo should be a form of escapism, (6)______________ than a general lesson in how to live our lives.
KEY
1. such
2. best
3. do
4. But
5. same
6. rather
Reflection questions
1. Do you agree that watching or hearing about extreme achievements should be “a form of escapism”? Why or why not?
Sample answer:
Yes, to some extent. Watching people achieve incredible things can be inspiring and entertaining, but it doesn’t mean we have to replicate their intensity or risk-taking. It’s healthy to admire such achievements without turning them into personal pressure.
2. Is it possible to be inspired by someone like Honnold without comparing yourself negatively to them?
Sample answer:
Definitely. You can appreciate his dedication, focus, and courage as qualities worth learning from, without feeling inadequate. Inspiration doesn’t have to come from copying someone’s actions — it can come from understanding their mindset.
3. What might be the pros and cons of using extreme achievers as role models?
Sample answer:
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Pros: They can motivate people to set ambitious goals, show the limits of human potential, and inspire discipline and perseverance.
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Cons: They can set unrealistic standards, make ordinary achievements feel insignificant, or encourage unhealthy comparisons and risks.
4. Do you think society puts too much pressure on people to always “be the best version” of themselves?
Sampe answer:
Yes, often it does. Social media and constant exposure to others’ success can make people feel they’re never doing enough. While self-improvement is valuable, the constant pressure to “optimize” everything can be exhausting and counterproductive.
