There are many ways to challenge yourself, but for some, taking personal challenges to the extreme are just a normal way of life.

For one Spanish athlete and extreme mountaineer, her goal was to push herself farther than anyone else has gone, all for the sake of Science.

Beatriz Flamini recently emerged from an underground cave after spending 500 days in isolation. She had set out to learn more about how the human mind and body can deal with extreme solitude and deprivation. 

The project called ‘Timecave’ was an experiment conducted by a team of scientists from the universities of Almería, Granada, and Murcia to assess the impacts of social isolation and extreme temporary disorientation on the human body. Experts believe that the experiment’s findings will be useful in helping people who are going through similar situations.

Flamini, who is now 50, entered the cave outside Granada on Saturday, November 20, 2021, and exited around 9 a.m. local time on Friday, April 28, 2023, according to Associated Press and Reuters reports. Flamini may have set a world record for surviving the longest time while underground, although the Guinness Book of Records has yet to confirm it.

Screengrab of Beatriz Flamini during her daily life at the cave in Motril, Spain. Photograph: Dokumalia Producciones/Reuters

Flamini spent the majority of her time reading books, drawing, painting, and knitting to pass the time. She said:

In fact, I didn’t want to come out. I thought I had only been underground for about 160 or 170 days when they came in to get me.” 

The elite sportswoman was monitored by psychologists, researchers, and speleologists, who study caves, although they never made contact with her. Flamini said she lost track of time after about two months and was surprised when the experiment ended.

“When they came in to get me, I was asleep. I thought something had happened,” Flamini told reporters. “I said: ‘Already? Surely not.’ I hadn’t finished my book.”

After emerging from the cave, Flamini answered questions from reporters on how she survived the time alone. 

Flamini opening one of her food deliveries. The athlete described how she was seized by a longing for roast chicken. Photograph: Dokumalia Producciones/Reuters

“I was where I wanted to be, and so I dedicated myself to it,” she said. Flamini remained focused and managed to keep fit during her time underground. She said, “If I get distracted, I’ll twist my ankle. I’ll get hurt. It’ll be over, and they’ll have to get me out. And I don’t want that.”

You have to remain conscious of your feelings. If you’re afraid, that’s something natural, but never let panic in, or you get paralyzed.” 

There are still a few things for Flamini to do, now that she’s back on the outside, including learning what has been going on in the world. “I’m still stuck on November 21, 2021,” Flamini told reporters on Friday. “I don’t know anything about the world.”

Flamini’s team is also looking into whether or not Flamini may have set a world record, too. They think she holds the record for surviving the longest time while underground, though the Guinness Book of Records still needs to confirm that..

Flamini seemed confused only once, when a reporter asked her why she had looked so happy when she came out from the cave.

“How would you feel if you had a dream and you fulfilled it?” she responded. “Would you come out crying?”

Flamini has inspired many people with her endurance and perseverance. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and our ability to overcome adversity. She showed that with mental preparation and focus, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

Watch below for Flamini’s amazing exit from her 500-day solo adventure in the cave.

Sources: People | The Guardian