Sungsu Lee does Burden of Dreams (9A) twice

Sungsu Lee, who climbed eight 8C’s and harder boulders last year after retiring from competitions, has sent Burden of Dreams (9A) in Lappnor, twice. He repeated the climb because during his first send, his long T-shirt touched the pad after he had left the ground but before making the first move. He posted a video on Instagram, commenting, ”I know this is technically a dab*…what do you guys think? (c) Henrik Asklöf

”I had a feeling it might be an issue, so I went back two days later and did it again without the shirt. Judging from the comments on my post, some people are already calling it a dab, so I’m glad I redid it. I wanted a clean send for myself too.”

Can you tell us more about the ascent?
I decided to go for Burden and did about 10 sessions on the replica beforehand, which helped me get a pretty good feel for the moves. I actually sent the real Burden on my 9th session, but when I reviewed the footage back at the accommodation, I thought it might cause some controversy. So I went back on my 10th session and sent it again without a T-shirt. I wanted a perfect, clean send.

* A dab typically happens when a boulderer cuts loose and their feet unintentionally touch the pad or a spotter. Even if the touch is minimal and the climber is securely holding a jug, such ascents are considered invalid.