Climbers reach El Capitan peak

Historic ascent of 915-meter wall by duo considered to be the world's most difficult

It was a magical moment years in the making: American rock climber Tommy Caldwell pulled himself atop the majestic 915-meter wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, joined minutes later on a narrow ledge by his climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson.

Knowing they had free-climbed the world's biggest granite monolith, the two longtime friends embraced, and then Jorgeson pumped his arm in the air and clapped his hands above his head. Year after year of practice, failed attempts and the last 19 grueling days scaling by their fingertips and feet rewarded them at last with success.