Akoyo Noguchi Sends Her First V14 (8B+)
Akiyo Noguchi, the legendary Japanese climber renowned for her dominance in international competitions, climbed her first V14 (8B+) by sending The Globalist, a notoriously challenging boulder problem in Finland first established by Nalle Hukkataival in 2009.
Retiring from competitive climbing after securing a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Noguchi had long focused on outdoor pursuits. The route demands a sequence of crimpy, dynamic moves on overhanging terrain, with a history of high-profile repeats including Jimmy Webb's flash in 2016.
Noguchi's success came after weeks of dedicated sessions in the Finnish forests, where she honed her approach amid the crisp autumn air, transforming a personal project into a testament to her enduring prowess beyond the spotlight of World Cups, where she claimed four overall bouldering titles.
Reflecting on the send, Noguchi shared profound insights into the essence of her passion, stating, "I found myself completely absorbed, lost in the pure joy of giving everything to one boulder." This moment encapsulated the meditative intensity that has defined her career, from her childhood beginnings on a family cattle farm, where her father built a makeshift wall in an old barn, to her status as Japan's "Queen of Climbing."
She extended heartfelt gratitude to the local Finnish community, noting, "I’m deeply thankful to all the local climbers in Finland who supported me along the way," highlighting the collaborative spirit that fueled her breakthrough. As the first woman to top this iconic line, Noguchi's ascent not only elevates her legacy but also inspires a new generation, proving that climbing's true summit lies in the unyielding pursuit of joy and connection with the rock.
Watch her send on Instagram here.
