Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: 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?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(rank) FROM table_name_87 WHERE year < 2002 AND ascent_time = "43:24"