Chaehyun Seo ticks Joe-Cita (9a)

Chaehyun Seo, who two weeks ago did her second 9a+, has repeated Adam Ondra’s Joe-cita (9a) in Oliana. The 22-year-old has been a very successful competition climber since she got the silver in her first World Cup in 2019, at age 15. This year the Korean was runner up overall.

Can you tell us more about the ascent?
I’m now trying Pachamama (9a+) but my skin was too bad today, so I decided to try Joe-Cita. During my first try I just fell in the Joe Blau (8c+) part because I forgot some moves, and I tried not to use second finger because the skin torn. I tried again, I’m not quite sure because of the conditions, but somehow I made all the moves!

Did you climb with tape on the finger?
Yes, on my left index and pinky, and also on my right pinky.

How much have you tried the 9a+ and what is the status?
I’ve tried the whole route five times and the crux part eight times. I think the lower crux is the hardest for me, and the rest of it is feeling quite promising!

What is your winter plan and what is the goal next year?
Training for next season. Just sleep, eat, exercise, recover 😂. Send harder routes than 9a+ and have consistent performance in the World Cups.