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Climbing

Bridwell’s Last Interview

This is pretty special: the last interview of the Bird, conducted by John Long.

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John Long writes, “Jim had an appointment for dialysis treatment in 30 minutes so we had little time. With no planning or prep, we hastily set up cameras in Jim’s back yard and I started asking him questions.

“Jim immediately went to questionably the most controversial event in climbing history: Cesare Maestri’s purported 1970 ascent of the Compressor Route on Cerro Torre, in Patagonia.

The day following this interview, Jim, critically ill from Hepatitis C, dropped into a coma. And one of the seminal figures in modern adventure sports passed away soon thereafter.

[Also Read Jim Bridwell, Founder of YOSAR and Big-Wall Godfather, Dead at 73]

A Digital Stoke Media Production

Support by Adidas Terrex

Produced by: John Long

Directed by: Ted Distel

Director of Photography: Ted Distel

Story Editor: John Long

Edited by: Ted Distel

Music by: Pat Dimitri

Animations: Ted Distel

Additional Photography and

Ascent Cover: Rock and Ice

Additional Footage: Shutterstock

Additional Photography: Kelly Cordes

Additional Photography: Minded Pictures