Women Crush High-Grade Routes as Top Climbers Push Limits Worldwide
The climbing world lit up this week with a flurry of sends, as female athletes dominated the headlines with groundbreaking sends across sport and boulder disciplines. From comeback stories to first ascents, here's a roundup of the day's top achievements, featuring two standout climbs per category for deeper insight.
Sport Climbing Highlights: Rogora and Ogier Climb Hard
Italian sensation Laura Rogora kicked sent Le Cadafist 5.14d/15a in her signature style. The steep, technical route in the Italian Dolomites has repelled many suitors, but Rogora's precise footwork and endurance shone through on her redpoint burn. This marks another hard tick for the 24-year-old, who continues to solidify her place among the world's best.
Australian climber Olivia Ogier has sent Apex Predator 5.14c, a fierce overhang demanding explosive power and crimpy precision. Ogier's ascent highlights her rapid progression in high-end sport climbing, turning heads with this rare female repeat of the line.
Pushing the Limit: Janja Garnbret is Dominating
Over the past two weeks, Janja Garnbret has climbed L’Oppio dei Climbers V14, Trono V13, and flashed Pure Dreaming 5.14+ in Arco. “The boulder that made me realize I should really take my chalk bag,” said Garnbret. “I’m glad to finish it quickly! Also stopped by Il trono [V13]. Gave it a good flash go, didn’t work out but send it 2nd go!”
Comebacks and First Ascents: Svecova and Scarth-Johnson Shine
Czech climber Jana Svecova announced her triumphant return from injury with a strong send, details emerging of her reclaiming form on challenging projects post-rehab. Her resilience inspires, proving setbacks can fuel comebacks.
Meanwhile, Angie Scarth-Johnson bolted and fired a first ascent (FA) in Rifle, Colorado. Full Tilt 5.14a pushes into hard territory, showcasing Scarth-Johnson's vision for developing cutting-edge routes in one of America's premier crags.
Double Trouble and Boulder Dominance: Hammelmueller, Bailey, and Marchaland
Austrian Eva Hammelmueller doubled down, ticking off two 5.14 routes in a single session. Her efficiency on these endurance testpieces underscores her versatility and stamina, bridging the gap in women's high-grade sport climbing.
Shifting to bouldering, American Sean Bailey crushed From Dirty Grows the Flowers V15. The compression-heavy problem requires brute strength and subtle beta. Bailey's send adds to his growing V15 resume.
French powerhouse Jules Marchaland dispatched a V15 boulder while projecting Off the Wagon Sit V16 in Switzerland. His quick ascent and work on the sit-start lowball signal big things ahead in the boulder elite.
And Michael Piccolruaz, who recently announced his retirement from international competition climbing, has sent Es Pontas 5.15a in Mallorca. The Italian placed 15th at the Tokyo Olympics, has also earned a silver medal in a Boulder World Cup.
