Alison Ke does Authentic Battle Damage (8A+)

Alison Ke has completed Authentic Battle Damage (8A+) at Eagle Rock. The 30-year-old data scientist has published a great sending video on her Instagram. ”This means so much to me!! A life goal achieved. It suited me perfectly. I also think it is the FFA.” (c) Aaron Burns

Can you tell us more about the ascent?
I first climbed the stand start to Authentic Battle Damage two years ago. Since then, I have specialized more in sloper and compression style climbing. I recently returned to try the lower start as a potential first 8A+, which I had set as a personal goal. I was surprised to fall at the top-out on my very first session, but it still took two more sessions to send it. The boulder suited my strengths perfectly: narrow compression, technical heel hooks, and very slopey holds. With my 153 cm wingspan, the compression felt manageable rather than extremely narrow. I’m grateful to reach this milestone after years of steadily building my pyramid, and I’m proud to see that process pay off.

Any plans for 2026?
In 2026 I plan to take trips to Bishop and Tahoe, returning to where I originally learned how to climb. I also hope to spend the summer projecting climbs at Lincoln Lake in Colorado, which is where I live now.