An athlete has just spent a record-breaking 500 days alone in a cave. Beatriz Flamini, 50, is an extreme mountaineer. She took part in a study to examine the effects of extreme isolation and deprivation on health. She lived in solitude in a cave 70 metres deep. She started her solitary endeavour in November 2021 and emerged from her underground abode last Friday. After resurfacing, she had health check-ups from a doctor and a psychologist. Rather than have a shower, she answered reporters' questions in a press conference.

Ms Flamini was smiling as she explained that time had flown by. She was surprised when scientists told her the 500 days had ended. She was regularly monitored by psychologists, but had no contact with anyone else. She said she lost track of time after day 65 "because it was always four in the morning". She added that her success was due to "being very consistent" and getting on well with herself. She was happy that she "lived up to [her] commitment to live in a cave for 500 days". She admitted having cravings for roast chicken.