La Rambla 9a+ by Margo Hayes (18)

Margo Hayes has become the first female to have conquered the 9a+ grade by doing La Rambla in Siurana today. The 18-year-old has previously done one 9a and last year she won the Youth World Championship in Lead, Boulder and Combined. (c) Matty Hong, who also did the route today. Greg Mionske, who got it on video, tells us it took Margo seven days to get prepared for the big send. In 2005, Josune Bereziartu did Bibaluna graded 9a/+. Also Ashima Shiraishi has done two routes where 9a/+ has been mentioned, Open Your Mind Direct and Ciudad de Dios. More info to come but clearly, Margo's ascent is one of the most ground breaking ones in the history of sport climbing. It is also noteworthy that in the same area, Laura Rogora (15) did her second 9a today, Joe-Cita in Oliana. These youngsters are about to set new standards. They are getting closer to what male teenagers are able to do. See the news below and further below for more info on La Rambla posted in the article about Matty Hong.