Behind the Free Solo Legend: Meet Sanni McCandless, Alex Honnold’s Wife
We know Alex Honnold, the free solo climber. He climbs granite giants without ropes. He redefines “fearless.” However, behind every extraordinary person, there’s a partner. For Alex, that’s Sanni McCandless. She is his wife and a steady force in his adventurous life. She is her own powerhouse.
Sanni McCandless: More Than Just a Climber’s Partner
Forget the tropes of the nervous girlfriend. Sanni McCandless carves her own path. She inspires others as a certified transition coach and an ELI-MP. The title translates to a person helping people navigate life’s changes. Sanni’s twist focuses on outdoor enthusiasts.
She guides individuals to create intentional lives. If you love the outdoors, your lifestyle probably isn’t a 9-to-5 desk job. Sanni understands that. She helps adventurous people fight doubts and anxieties. This is critical when you live out of a van or choose unconventional careers. She is a life coach for those with wild hearts, helping them find agency.
The Love Story: How Alex Met Sanni
Curious how the free solo king found his queen? Surprisingly, it wasn’t on a cliff face. Their story began at a book signing in November 2015. Yes, even Alex Honnold does book signings. Sparks flew, or warmth ignited. They became a couple right after. And yes, they still scale the heights of love together.
From Engagement to Family Life
Fast forward a few years. On Christmas Day 2019, Alex announced their engagement on social media. What a holiday gift! They tied the knot on September 13, 2020. Alex shared the news on Instagram. If it’s not on Instagram, did it really happen? Just kidding… mostly.
Today, they are partners in adventure and parenthood. They live in Las Vegas with their adorable daughters, June and Alice. You read that right; two daughters! Alex Honnold, king of sheer rock faces, is a girl dad twice over. He’s gone from conquering El Capitan to tackling toddler tantrums, an even more daunting challenge. Their youngest daughter, Alice, added joyful chaos to their exciting lives.
Sanni’s Starring Role in “Free Solo”
If you saw “Free Solo,” you know Sanni. She appears prominently in the Oscar-winning film. “Free Solo” isn’t just about Alex; it delves into relationships surrounding such daring feats. Sanni’s presence reveals the emotions involved when someone you love flirts with gravity daily. Her reactions and conversations provide a human counterpoint to the superhuman image of Alex.
Setting the Record Straight: Sanni and “Into the Wild”
Here’s a fun fact: Sanni shares a last name with Chris McCandless from “Into the Wild.” Similar names and adventurous spirits, right? Wrong. Despite this shared surname, Sanni and Chris are not related. It is just a coincidence. If you imagined a grand family legacy of adventurers, you’ll have to rethink that narrative.
Home Base: Las Vegas
Despite their adventures and travels, Alex and Sanni chose Las Vegas as their home base. It may seem odd for climbers and outdoor lovers, but it offers proximity to climbing areas and a laid-back lifestyle when they’re not on expeditions or managing family life. When they’re not outdoors, find them enjoying warmer climates in Nevada.
