Breaking Climbing News: Ondra, Garnbret, Seo and More

Big few weeks of sends in climbing. Here’s the quick-hit rundown of everything worth knowing from the world’s strongest.

Adam Ondra Flashes Foundation’s Edge (8C/V15): In a midnight masterclass, Adam Ondra shocked the bouldering world by flashing Foundation’s Edge—a razor-thin 8C that has repelled repeat attempts for years. Witnesses reported Ondra’s trademark combination of precision and ferocity as he unlocked the crux on his first try. Another milestone for the sport’s most unrelenting technician.

Chaehyun Seo Onsights Gorilas en la Niebla (5.14a) in Foggy Oliana: Just a week after her 5.15a send, Chaehyun Seo surprised even herself by onsighting Gorilas en la Niebla (5.14a). Heavy fog and humidity scrapped her plans for a harder project day, so she hopped on the route “just for fun” — only to float a flawless onsight despite wet, slippery holds. A casual warm-up turned into yet another elite-level milestone for the 22-year-old phenom.

Nicolai Uznik Nearly Flashes La Force Tranquille (8C/V15): At dawn, Nicolai Uznik came within a breath of joining the ultra-exclusive flash-8C club. His near-send of La Force Tranquille saw him link the entire boulder except for a heartbreaking slip at the last move. Footage of the uncut attempt is already making waves in the community.

Janja Garnbret Drops a Monster Ticklist — On a “Bad Skin Day”: Even on sub-optimal skin, Janja Garnbret turned a casual day out into a juggernaut ticklist, dispatching hard blocs with what onlookers called “effortless aggression.” She ticked Vecchio Leone V13 (8B), Amber V13, Versace V13, Fake Pamplemousse V11, and Frogger V11 in Ticino, Switzerland. This is Garnbret’s second sendy day of the trip. On her first day of the visit, she topped Dreamtime V15, The Dagger V13, and La Proue V13.

Rumors Swirl: Sean Bailey & Arrival of the Birds (9A/V17): Speculation is heating up as reports emerge that Sean Bailey is close—very close—to claiming Arrival of the Birds, one of the few proposed 9A boulders in the world. No official confirmation yet, but insiders say something big is brewing.

Sierra Blair-Coyle Sends Birch Problem (8B+/V14): Sierra Blair-Coyle clocked a powerful ascent of the Birch Problem, an aesthetic 8B+ known for stingy crimps and tension-heavy movement. Her send marks one of her hardest boulders to date and showcases her upward trajectory after years of training.

Han Seuran Sends Catharsis (8B+/V14): Korean crusher Han Seuran added Catharsis to her growing list of hard classics. The line’s burly compression sequences suited her style perfectly, and the send continues her momentum as one of the strongest emerging athletes in the scene.

Sam Weir Nearly Flashes The Lion’s Share (8C/V15): Sam Weir delivered another nail-biter in the flash-hard-boulder narrative, sticking every move of The Lion’s Share until a single slip shut down what could’ve been a historic ascent. Still, one of the most impressive near-flashes of the season.

Natalia Grossman Finishes ACL Rehab — And Returns to the Wall: In inspirational news, Natalia Grossman has officially completed her ACL rehab and is easing back onto the wall. Her return has been highly anticipated, and insiders say she’s already moving with trademark precision. Expect big things from her competition comeback.