Below is an context that describes a sql query, paired with an question that provides further information. Write an answer that appropriately completes the request.  # noqa: E501
### Context:
CREATE TABLE table_name_87 (rank VARCHAR, year VARCHAR, ascent_time VARCHAR)
### Question:
What was the rank of the rider whose ascent time was 43:24 before the year 2002?
### Answer:
SELECT COUNT(rank) FROM table_name_87 WHERE year < 2002 AND ascent_time = "43:24"