Mono

	Country	Contributions	Between	Climbers	Crags	Climbs	Ascents
1	United Kingdom	11173	22nd May 2025 – 19th September 2026	116	13	586	1083
2	France	3430	22nd May 2025 – 29th August 2026	32	13	172	326
3	USA	1770	30th July 2025 – 14th August 2026	26	56	167	88
4	Japan	1478	19th July 2025 – 14th August 2026	14	25	107	73
5	Spain	319	31st July 2025 – 14th August 2026	3	9	35	13
6	Switzerland	229	31st July 2025 – 9th August 2026	2	5	21	15
7	New Zealand	216	19th August 2025 – 14th August 2026	1	1	17	13
8	Canada	170	10th September 2025 – 14th August 2026	1	9	25	3
9	Italy	166	12th August 2025 – 16th August 2026	2	7	19	7
10	Germany	151	8th November 2025 – 6th August 2026	4	6	10	5

	Date	Time	User	Type	Name	Attribute
2081	20th June 2026	07:26:53 UTC	Mono	climber	Shauna Coxsey	notes
Before Shauna Coxsey is a British boulderer and one of the strongest female climbers in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, firstly in 2016 and then in 2017. While she was primarily a competition climber in her early career (up to the 2020 Tokyo olympics) she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of [New Base Line](/climb/123/new-base-line) 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time. Since retiring from competitions and having a child she has switched focus to bouldering outdoors. ### References [1] [https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/](https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/) [2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g) After Shauna Coxsey is one of the most successful comp climbers, and most accomplished outdoor boulderers, in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, in 2016 and 2017 and went on to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021. Since retiring from comps she has excelled at outdoor bouldering. While she was primarily a competition climber for the first part of her career, she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of [New Base Line](/climb/123/new-base-line) 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time. Since retiring from competitions she has made rapid repeats of a string of 8B and harder boulders. ### References [1] [https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/](https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/) [2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,8 +1,8 @@ -Shauna Coxsey is a British boulderer and one of the strongest female climbers in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, firstly in 2016 and then in 2017. +Shauna Coxsey is one of the most successful comp climbers, and most accomplished outdoor boulderers, in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, in 2016 and 2017 and went on to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021. Since retiring from comps she has excelled at outdoor bouldering. -While she was primarily a competition climber in her early career (up to the 2020 Tokyo olympics) she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of [New Base Line](/climb/123/new-base-line) 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time. +While she was primarily a competition climber for the first part of her career, she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of [New Base Line](/climb/123/new-base-line) 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time. -Since retiring from competitions and having a child she has switched focus to bouldering outdoors. +Since retiring from competitions she has made rapid repeats of a string of 8B and harder boulders. ### References
2082	20th June 2026	07:26:53 UTC	Mono	climber	Shauna Coxsey	notes_pretty
Before <p>Shauna Coxsey is a British boulderer and one of the strongest female climbers in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, firstly in 2016 and then in 2017.</p> <p>While she was primarily a competition climber in her early career (up to the 2020 Tokyo olympics) she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of <a href="/climb/123/new-base-line">New Base Line</a> 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time.</p> <p>Since retiring from competitions and having a child she has switched focus to bouldering outdoors.</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/">https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g</a></p> After <p>Shauna Coxsey is one of the most successful comp climbers, and most accomplished outdoor boulderers, in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, in 2016 and 2017 and went on to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021. Since retiring from comps she has excelled at outdoor bouldering. </p> <p>While she was primarily a competition climber for the first part of her career, she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of <a href="/climb/123/new-base-line" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Base Line</a> 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time.</p> <p>Since retiring from competitions she has made rapid repeats of a string of 8B and harder boulders. </p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g</a></p>
2083	19th June 2026	22:13:57 UTC	Mono	climber	Janja Garnbret	featurable
Before `false` After `true`
2084	19th June 2026	22:13:04 UTC	Mono	climber	Janja Garnbret	notes
Before The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). ### References [1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY) [2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 [https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/) [3] Interview with [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) for [UKClimbing.com](https://www.ukclimbing.com), 3rd May 2022 [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458) [4] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI) [5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 [https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/](https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/) [6] Video with [Magnus Midtbø](/climber/505/magnus-midtbø), July 2025 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM) After The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. Primarily focused on competitions, her achievements on rock are no less impressive, making very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashing 8c+, and redpointing 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). ### References [1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY) [2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 [https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/) [3] Interview with [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) for [UKClimbing.com](https://www.ukclimbing.com), 3rd May 2022 [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458) [4] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI) [5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 [https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/](https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/) [6] Video with [Magnus Midtbø](/climber/505/magnus-midtbø), July 2025 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. -Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). +Primarily focused on competitions, her achievements on rock are no less impressive, making very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashing 8c+, and redpointing 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). ### References
2085	19th June 2026	22:13:04 UTC	Mono	climber	Janja Garnbret	notes_pretty
Before <p>The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. </p> <p>Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of <a href="/climb/466/bibliographie" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bibliographie</a> (9b+). </p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY</a></p> <p>[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/</a></p> <p>[3] Interview with <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> for <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">UKClimbing.com</a>, 3rd May 2022 <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI</a></p> <p>[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 <a href="https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/</a></p> <p>[6] Video with <a href="/climber/505/magnus-midtbø" rel="noopener noreferrer">Magnus Midtbø</a>, July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM</a></p> After <p>The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. </p> <p>Primarily focused on competitions, her achievements on rock are no less impressive, making very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashing 8c+, and redpointing 9b+ with her ascent of <a href="/climb/466/bibliographie" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bibliographie</a> (9b+). </p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY</a></p> <p>[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/</a></p> <p>[3] Interview with <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> for <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">UKClimbing.com</a>, 3rd May 2022 <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI</a></p> <p>[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 <a href="https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/</a></p> <p>[6] Video with <a href="/climber/505/magnus-midtbø" rel="noopener noreferrer">Magnus Midtbø</a>, July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM</a></p>
2086	19th June 2026	22:11:18 UTC	Mono	climber	Janja Garnbret	notes_pretty
Before <p>The most successful competition climber of all time and first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 olympics.</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY</a></p> <p>[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/</a></p> <p>[3] Interview with <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> for <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">UKClimbing.com</a>, 3rd May 2022 <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI</a></p> <p>[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 <a href="https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/</a></p> <p>[6] Video with <a href="/climber/505/magnus-midtbø" rel="noopener noreferrer">Magnus Midtbø</a>, July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM</a></p> After <p>The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. </p> <p>Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of <a href="/climb/466/bibliographie" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bibliographie</a> (9b+). </p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY</a></p> <p>[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/</a></p> <p>[3] Interview with <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> for <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">UKClimbing.com</a>, 3rd May 2022 <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI</a></p> <p>[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 <a href="https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/</a></p> <p>[6] Video with <a href="/climber/505/magnus-midtbø" rel="noopener noreferrer">Magnus Midtbø</a>, July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM</a></p>
2087	19th June 2026	22:11:18 UTC	Mono	climber	Janja Garnbret	notes
Before The most successful competition climber of all time and first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 olympics. ### References [1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY) [2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 [https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/) [3] Interview with [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) for [UKClimbing.com](https://www.ukclimbing.com), 3rd May 2022 [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458) [4] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI) [5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 [https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/](https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/) [6] Video with [Magnus Midtbø](/climber/505/magnus-midtbø), July 2025 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM) After The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). ### References [1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY) [2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 [https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/) [3] Interview with [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) for [UKClimbing.com](https://www.ukclimbing.com), 3rd May 2022 [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458) [4] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI) [5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 [https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/](https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/) [6] Video with [Magnus Midtbø](/climber/505/magnus-midtbø), July 2025 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,4 +1,6 @@ -The most successful competition climber of all time and first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 olympics. +The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. + +Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). ### References
2088	19th June 2026	22:05:33 UTC	Mono	climber	Alex Honnold	notes
Before Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights. Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1] ### Other Work Alex co-presents the [Climbing Gold](https://www.climbinggold.com/) podcast alongside [Fitz Cahall](/climber/1696/fitz-cahall). In 2012 Alex founded [The Honnold Foundation](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/). The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. ### References [1] [https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107](https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107) [2] Honnold Foundation [https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/) [3] Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission by [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) (2023) [https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760](https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760) [4] [https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019](https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019) After Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights. Most notably, Alex was the first – and to date only – person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1] ### Other Work Alex co-presents the [Climbing Gold](https://www.climbinggold.com/) podcast alongside [Fitz Cahall](/climber/1696/fitz-cahall). In 2012 Alex founded [The Honnold Foundation](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/). The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. ### References [1] [https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107](https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107) [2] Honnold Foundation [https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/) [3] Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission by [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) (2023) [https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760](https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760) [4] [https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019](https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights. -Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). +Most notably, Alex was the first – and to date only – person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]
2089	19th June 2026	22:05:33 UTC	Mono	climber	Alex Honnold	notes_pretty
Before <p>Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.</p> <p>Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on <a href="/crag/8023/el-capitan" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Capitan</a> in Yosemite with his ascent of <a href="/climb/804/freerider" rel="noopener noreferrer">Freerider</a> in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included <a href="/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moonlight Buttress</a> (E6), <a href="/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Sendero Luminoso</a> (7c) and the <a href="/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face" rel="noopener noreferrer">Regular Northwest Face</a> of Half Dome (E5). </p> <p>In January 2026 Alex soloed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101" rel="noopener noreferrer">Taipei 101</a> in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]</p> <h3>Other Work</h3> <p>Alex co-presents the <a href="https://www.climbinggold.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climbing Gold</a> podcast alongside <a href="/climber/1696/fitz-cahall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fitz Cahall</a>.</p> <p>In 2012 Alex founded <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Honnold Foundation</a>. The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. </p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107</a></p> <p>[2] <em>Honnold Foundation</em> <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/</a></p> <p>[3] <em>Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission</em> by <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> (2023) <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019</a></p> After <p>Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.</p> <p>Most notably, Alex was the first – and to date only – person to free solo a route on <a href="/crag/8023/el-capitan" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Capitan</a> in Yosemite with his ascent of <a href="/climb/804/freerider" rel="noopener noreferrer">Freerider</a> in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included <a href="/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moonlight Buttress</a> (E6), <a href="/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Sendero Luminoso</a> (7c) and the <a href="/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face" rel="noopener noreferrer">Regular Northwest Face</a> of Half Dome (E5). </p> <p>In January 2026 Alex soloed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101" rel="noopener noreferrer">Taipei 101</a> in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]</p> <h3>Other Work</h3> <p>Alex co-presents the <a href="https://www.climbinggold.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climbing Gold</a> podcast alongside <a href="/climber/1696/fitz-cahall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fitz Cahall</a>.</p> <p>In 2012 Alex founded <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Honnold Foundation</a>. The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. </p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107</a></p> <p>[2] <em>Honnold Foundation</em> <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/</a></p> <p>[3] <em>Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission</em> by <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> (2023) <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019</a></p>
2090	19th June 2026	22:03:57 UTC	Mono	climber	Alex Honnold	notes
Before Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights. Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live streamed on Netflex. [1] ### Other Work Alex co-presents the [Climbing Gold](https://www.climbinggold.com/) podcast alongside [Fitz Cahall](/climber/1696/fitz-cahall). In 2012 Alex founded [The Honnold Foundation](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/). The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. ### References [1] [https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107](https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107) [2] Honnold Foundation [https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/) [3] Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission by [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) (2023) [https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760](https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760) [4] [https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019](https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019) After Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights. Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1] ### Other Work Alex co-presents the [Climbing Gold](https://www.climbinggold.com/) podcast alongside [Fitz Cahall](/climber/1696/fitz-cahall). In 2012 Alex founded [The Honnold Foundation](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/). The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. ### References [1] [https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107](https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107) [2] Honnold Foundation [https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/) [3] Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission by [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) (2023) [https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760](https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760) [4] [https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019](https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,8 +1,8 @@ Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights. -Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. +Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). -In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live streamed on Netflex. [1] +In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1] ### Other Work
2091	19th June 2026	22:03:57 UTC	Mono	climber	Alex Honnold	notes_pretty
Before <p>Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.</p> <p>Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on <a href="/crag/8023/el-capitan" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Capitan</a> in Yosemite with his ascent of <a href="/climb/804/freerider" rel="noopener noreferrer">Freerider</a> in 2017.</p> <p>In January 2026 Alex soloed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101" rel="noopener noreferrer">Taipei 101</a> in Taiwan in an event that was live streamed on Netflex. [1]</p> <h3>Other Work</h3> <p>Alex co-presents the <a href="https://www.climbinggold.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climbing Gold</a> podcast alongside <a href="/climber/1696/fitz-cahall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fitz Cahall</a>.</p> <p>In 2012 Alex founded <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Honnold Foundation</a>. The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. </p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107</a></p> <p>[2] <em>Honnold Foundation</em> <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/</a></p> <p>[3] <em>Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission</em> by <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> (2023) <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019</a></p> After <p>Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.</p> <p>Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on <a href="/crag/8023/el-capitan" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Capitan</a> in Yosemite with his ascent of <a href="/climb/804/freerider" rel="noopener noreferrer">Freerider</a> in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included <a href="/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moonlight Buttress</a> (E6), <a href="/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Sendero Luminoso</a> (7c) and the <a href="/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face" rel="noopener noreferrer">Regular Northwest Face</a> of Half Dome (E5). </p> <p>In January 2026 Alex soloed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101" rel="noopener noreferrer">Taipei 101</a> in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]</p> <h3>Other Work</h3> <p>Alex co-presents the <a href="https://www.climbinggold.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climbing Gold</a> podcast alongside <a href="/climber/1696/fitz-cahall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fitz Cahall</a>.</p> <p>In 2012 Alex founded <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Honnold Foundation</a>. The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. </p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107</a></p> <p>[2] <em>Honnold Foundation</em> <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/</a></p> <p>[3] <em>Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission</em> by <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> (2023) <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019</a></p>
2092	19th June 2026	21:52:33 UTC	Mono	climber	Alex Honnold	featurable
Before `false` After `true`
2093	19th June 2026	21:48:26 UTC	Mono	climber	Noah Wheeler	notes
Before Noah Wheeler is a young and up and coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of [Wheel Rock](https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock) with his brother [Benn Wheeler](/climber/1945/benn-wheeler). Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 in which he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with [G-Master](/climb/2648/g-master), [Paint it Black](/climb/846/paint-it-black), and [Delirium](/climb/1432/delirium). In 2024 Noah repeated [Sleepwalker](/climb/825/sleepwalker) 8C+/V16 and [Insomniac](/climb/1341/insomniac) 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous [Return of the Sleepwalker](/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker) 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. ### References [1] [https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler](https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler) [2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?) After Noah Wheeler is a young and up-and-coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of [Wheel Rock](https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock) with his brother [Benn Wheeler](/climber/1945/benn-wheeler). Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 when he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with [G-Master](/climb/2648/g-master), [Paint it Black](/climb/846/paint-it-black), and [Delirium](/climb/1432/delirium). In 2024 Noah repeated [Sleepwalker](/climb/825/sleepwalker) 8C+/V16 and [Insomniac](/climb/1341/insomniac) 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous [Return of the Sleepwalker](/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker) 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. He made short work of [Burden of Dreams](/climb/826/burden-of-dreams) (9A), finding it suited his board-honed style. ### References [1] [https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler](https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler) [2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ -Noah Wheeler is a young and up and coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of [Wheel Rock](https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock) with his brother [Benn Wheeler](/climber/1945/benn-wheeler). +Noah Wheeler is a young and up-and-coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of [Wheel Rock](https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock) with his brother [Benn Wheeler](/climber/1945/benn-wheeler). -Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 in which he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with [G-Master](/climb/2648/g-master), [Paint it Black](/climb/846/paint-it-black), and [Delirium](/climb/1432/delirium). In 2024 Noah repeated [Sleepwalker](/climb/825/sleepwalker) 8C+/V16 and [Insomniac](/climb/1341/insomniac) 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous [Return of the Sleepwalker](/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker) 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. +Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 when he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with [G-Master](/climb/2648/g-master), [Paint it Black](/climb/846/paint-it-black), and [Delirium](/climb/1432/delirium). In 2024 Noah repeated [Sleepwalker](/climb/825/sleepwalker) 8C+/V16 and [Insomniac](/climb/1341/insomniac) 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous [Return of the Sleepwalker](/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker) 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. He made short work of [Burden of Dreams](/climb/826/burden-of-dreams) (9A), finding it suited his board-honed style. ### References
2094	19th June 2026	21:48:26 UTC	Mono	climber	Noah Wheeler	notes_pretty
Before <p>Noah Wheeler is a young and up and coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock">Wheel Rock</a> with his brother <a href="/climber/1945/benn-wheeler">Benn Wheeler</a>. </p> <p>Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 in which he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with <a href="/climb/2648/g-master">G-Master</a>, <a href="/climb/846/paint-it-black">Paint it Black</a>, and <a href="/climb/1432/delirium">Delirium</a>. In 2024 Noah repeated <a href="/climb/825/sleepwalker">Sleepwalker</a> 8C+/V16 and <a href="/climb/1341/insomniac">Insomniac</a> 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous <a href="/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker">Return of the Sleepwalker</a> 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. </p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler">https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?">https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?</a></p> After <p>Noah Wheeler is a young and up-and-coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wheel Rock</a> with his brother <a href="/climber/1945/benn-wheeler" rel="noopener noreferrer">Benn Wheeler</a>. </p> <p>Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 when he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with <a href="/climb/2648/g-master" rel="noopener noreferrer">G-Master</a>, <a href="/climb/846/paint-it-black" rel="noopener noreferrer">Paint it Black</a>, and <a href="/climb/1432/delirium" rel="noopener noreferrer">Delirium</a>. In 2024 Noah repeated <a href="/climb/825/sleepwalker" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sleepwalker</a> 8C+/V16 and <a href="/climb/1341/insomniac" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insomniac</a> 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous <a href="/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the Sleepwalker</a> 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. He made short work of <a href="/climb/826/burden-of-dreams" rel="noopener noreferrer">Burden of Dreams</a> (9A), finding it suited his board-honed style.</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?</a></p>
2095	19th June 2026	20:12:27 UTC	Mono	climb	The Walk of Life	notes
Before A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting: >For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1] The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene. James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2] In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented: >My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...] >What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL. >But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4] Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5] ### References [1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life) [2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?) [3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html) [4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/) [5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I) After A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only exceeded by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting: >For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1] The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene. James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2] In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented: >My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...] >What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL. >But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4] Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5] ### References [1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life) [2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?) [3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html) [4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/) [5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. +A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only exceeded by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:
2096	19th June 2026	20:12:27 UTC	Mono	climb	The Walk of Life	notes_pretty
Before <p>A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. </p> <p>The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p> <blockquote> <p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p> <p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p> <p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p> <blockquote> <p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p> <p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p> <p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p> </blockquote> <p>Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5]</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p> <p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p> <p>[5] <a href="https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I</a></p> After <p>A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only exceeded by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. </p> <p>The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p> <blockquote> <p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p> <p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p> <p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p> <blockquote> <p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p> <p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p> <p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p> </blockquote> <p>Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5]</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p> <p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p> <p>[5] <a href="https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I</a></p>
2097	19th June 2026	20:12:11 UTC	Mono	climb	The Walk of Life	notes
Before A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting: >For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1] The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene. James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2] In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented: >My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...] >What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL. >But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4] Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5] ### References [1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life) [2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?) [3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html) [4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/) [5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I) After A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting: >For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1] The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene. James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2] In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented: >My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...] >What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL. >But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4] Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5] ### References [1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life) [2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?) [3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html) [4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/) [5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -1,4 +1,6 @@ -A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting: +A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. + +The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting: >For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1] @@ -14,7 +16,7 @@ >But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4] -Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5] +Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5] ### References
2098	19th June 2026	20:12:11 UTC	Mono	climb	The Walk of Life	notes_pretty
Before <p>A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p> <blockquote> <p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p> <p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p> <p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p> <blockquote> <p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p> <p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p> <p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p> </blockquote> <p>Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5]</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p> <p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p> <p>[5] <a href="https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I</a></p> After <p>A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. </p> <p>The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p> <blockquote> <p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p> <p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p> <p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p> <blockquote> <p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p> <p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p> <p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p> </blockquote> <p>Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5]</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p> <p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p> <p>[5] <a href="https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I</a></p>
2099	19th June 2026	20:09:44 UTC	Mono	climb	The Walk of Life	notes_pretty
Before <p>A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p> <blockquote> <p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p> <p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p> <p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p> <blockquote> <p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p> <p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p> <p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p> </blockquote> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p> <p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p> After <p>A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p> <blockquote> <p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p> </blockquote> <p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p> <p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p> <p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p> <blockquote> <p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p> <p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p> <p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p> </blockquote> <p>Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5]</p> <h3>References</h3> <p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p> <p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p> <p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p> <p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p> <p>[5] <a href="https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I</a></p>
2100	19th June 2026	20:09:44 UTC	Mono	climb	The Walk of Life	notes
Before A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting: >For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1] The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene. James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2] In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented: >My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...] >What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL. >But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4] ### References [1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life) [2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?) [3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html) [4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/) After A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting: >For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1] The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene. James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2] In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented: >My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...] >What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL. >But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4] Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5] ### References [1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life) [2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?) [3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html) [4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/) [5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I) Diff --- before +++ after @@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ >But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4] +Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5] + ### References [1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life) @@ -22,4 +24,6 @@ [3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html) -[4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/) +[4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/) + +[5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I)

Before

Shauna Coxsey is a British boulderer and one of the strongest female climbers in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, firstly in 2016 and then in 2017.

While she was primarily a competition climber in her early career (up to the 2020 Tokyo olympics) she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of [New Base Line](/climb/123/new-base-line) 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time.

Since retiring from competitions and having a child she has switched focus to bouldering outdoors.

### References

[1] [https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/](https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/)

[2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g)

After

Shauna Coxsey is one of the most successful comp climbers, and most accomplished outdoor boulderers, in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, in 2016 and 2017 and went on to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021. Since retiring from comps she has excelled at outdoor bouldering. 

While she was primarily a competition climber for the first part of her career, she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of [New Base Line](/climb/123/new-base-line) 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time.

Since retiring from competitions she has made rapid repeats of a string of 8B and harder boulders. 

### References

[1] [https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/](https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/)

[2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@

-Shauna Coxsey is a British boulderer and one of the strongest female climbers in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, firstly in 2016 and then in 2017.

+Shauna Coxsey is one of the most successful comp climbers, and most accomplished outdoor boulderers, in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, in 2016 and 2017 and went on to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021. Since retiring from comps she has excelled at outdoor bouldering. 

 

-While she was primarily a competition climber in her early career (up to the 2020 Tokyo olympics) she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of [New Base Line](/climb/123/new-base-line) 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time.

+While she was primarily a competition climber for the first part of her career, she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of [New Base Line](/climb/123/new-base-line) 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time.

 

-Since retiring from competitions and having a child she has switched focus to bouldering outdoors.

+Since retiring from competitions she has made rapid repeats of a string of 8B and harder boulders. 

 

 ### References

Before

<p>Shauna Coxsey is a British boulderer and one of the strongest female climbers in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, firstly in 2016 and then in 2017.</p>
<p>While she was primarily a competition climber in her early career (up to the 2020 Tokyo olympics) she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of <a href="/climb/123/new-base-line">New Base Line</a> 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time.</p>
<p>Since retiring from competitions and having a child she has switched focus to bouldering outdoors.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/">https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g</a></p>

After

<p>Shauna Coxsey is one of the most successful comp climbers, and most accomplished outdoor boulderers, in the UK. She has won two bouldering world cups, in 2016 and 2017 and went on to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021. Since retiring from comps she has excelled at outdoor bouldering. </p>
<p>While she was primarily a competition climber for the first part of her career, she did occasionally climb outside, with highlights such as the first female ascent of <a href="/climb/123/new-base-line" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Base Line</a> 8B+ in 2014, making her one of a handful of women to have climbed 8B+ at the time.</p>
<p>Since retiring from competitions she has made rapid repeats of a string of 8B and harder boulders. </p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://web.archive.org/web/20171209231653/http://www.shaunacoxsey.co.uk/</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WiWRSy1JEgXMpx4aBxA0g</a></p>

Before

false

After

true

Before

The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. 

Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). 

### References

[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY)

[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 [https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/)

[3] Interview with [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry)  for [UKClimbing.com](https://www.ukclimbing.com), 3rd May 2022 [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458)

[4] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI)

[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 [https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/](https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/)

[6] Video with [Magnus Midtbø](/climber/505/magnus-midtbø), July 2025 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM)

After

The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. 

Primarily focused on competitions, her achievements on rock are no less impressive, making very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashing 8c+, and redpointing 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). 

### References

[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY)

[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 [https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/)

[3] Interview with [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry)  for [UKClimbing.com](https://www.ukclimbing.com), 3rd May 2022 [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458)

[4] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI)

[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 [https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/](https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/)

[6] Video with [Magnus Midtbø](/climber/505/magnus-midtbø), July 2025 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@

 The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. 

 

-Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). 

+Primarily focused on competitions, her achievements on rock are no less impressive, making very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashing 8c+, and redpointing 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). 

 

 ### References

Before

<p>The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. </p>
<p>Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of <a href="/climb/466/bibliographie" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bibliographie</a> (9b+). </p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY</a></p>
<p>[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/</a></p>
<p>[3] Interview with <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a>  for <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">UKClimbing.com</a>, 3rd May 2022 <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI</a></p>
<p>[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 <a href="https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/</a></p>
<p>[6] Video with <a href="/climber/505/magnus-midtbø" rel="noopener noreferrer">Magnus Midtbø</a>, July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM</a></p>

After

<p>The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. </p>
<p>Primarily focused on competitions, her achievements on rock are no less impressive, making very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashing 8c+, and redpointing 9b+ with her ascent of <a href="/climb/466/bibliographie" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bibliographie</a> (9b+). </p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY</a></p>
<p>[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/</a></p>
<p>[3] Interview with <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a>  for <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">UKClimbing.com</a>, 3rd May 2022 <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI</a></p>
<p>[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 <a href="https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/</a></p>
<p>[6] Video with <a href="/climber/505/magnus-midtbø" rel="noopener noreferrer">Magnus Midtbø</a>, July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM</a></p>

Before

<p>The most successful competition climber of all time and first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 olympics.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY</a></p>
<p>[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/</a></p>
<p>[3] Interview with <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a>  for <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">UKClimbing.com</a>, 3rd May 2022 <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI</a></p>
<p>[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 <a href="https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/</a></p>
<p>[6] Video with <a href="/climber/505/magnus-midtbø" rel="noopener noreferrer">Magnus Midtbø</a>, July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM</a></p>

After

<p>The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. </p>
<p>Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of <a href="/climb/466/bibliographie" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bibliographie</a> (9b+). </p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY</a></p>
<p>[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/</a></p>
<p>[3] Interview with <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a>  for <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">UKClimbing.com</a>, 3rd May 2022 <a href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI</a></p>
<p>[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 <a href="https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/</a></p>
<p>[6] Video with <a href="/climber/505/magnus-midtbø" rel="noopener noreferrer">Magnus Midtbø</a>, July 2025 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM</a></p>

Before

The most successful competition climber of all time and first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 olympics.

### References

[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY)

[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 [https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/)

[3] Interview with [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry)  for [UKClimbing.com](https://www.ukclimbing.com), 3rd May 2022 [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458)

[4] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI)

[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 [https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/](https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/)

[6] Video with [Magnus Midtbø](/climber/505/magnus-midtbø), July 2025 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM)

After

The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. 

Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). 

### References

[1] A profile of Janja from Reel Rock [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_W2hT-HDY)

[2] Winning the olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 [https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPRpH_l81i/)

[3] Interview with [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry)  for [UKClimbing.com](https://www.ukclimbing.com), 3rd May 2022 [https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458](https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/climb_for_gold_-_janja_garnbret_olympic_champion-14458)

[4] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmlSSD7jDSI)

[5] Interview with John Bergman for climbing.com, August 2024 [https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/](https://www.climbing.com/people/janja-garnbret-post-olympic-2024-interview/)

[6] Video with [Magnus Midtbø](/climber/505/magnus-midtbø), July 2025 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EsdeUBBVNM)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@

-The most successful competition climber of all time and first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 olympics.

+The most successful competition climber of all time, the first gold medalist in climbing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a result repeated at Paris 2024. 

+

+Primarily focused on competitions, Janja has also made very quick ascents of hard Swiss boulder testpieces, flashed 8c+, and redpointed 9b+ with her ascent of [Bibliographie](/climb/466/bibliographie) (9b+). 

 

 ### References

Before

Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.

Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). 

In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]

### Other Work

Alex co-presents the [Climbing Gold](https://www.climbinggold.com/) podcast alongside [Fitz Cahall](/climber/1696/fitz-cahall).

In 2012 Alex founded [The Honnold Foundation](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/). The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. 

### References

[1] [https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107](https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107)

[2] *Honnold Foundation* [https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/)

[3] *Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission* by [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) (2023) [https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760](https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760)

[4] [https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019](https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019)

After

Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.

Most notably, Alex was the first – and to date only – person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). 

In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]

### Other Work

Alex co-presents the [Climbing Gold](https://www.climbinggold.com/) podcast alongside [Fitz Cahall](/climber/1696/fitz-cahall).

In 2012 Alex founded [The Honnold Foundation](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/). The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. 

### References

[1] [https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107](https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107)

[2] *Honnold Foundation* [https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/)

[3] *Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission* by [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) (2023) [https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760](https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760)

[4] [https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019](https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@

 Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.

 

-Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). 

+Most notably, Alex was the first – and to date only – person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). 

 

 In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]

Before

<p>Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.</p>
<p>Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on <a href="/crag/8023/el-capitan" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Capitan</a> in Yosemite with his ascent of <a href="/climb/804/freerider" rel="noopener noreferrer">Freerider</a> in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included <a href="/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moonlight Buttress</a> (E6), <a href="/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Sendero Luminoso</a> (7c) and the <a href="/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face" rel="noopener noreferrer">Regular Northwest Face</a> of Half Dome (E5). </p>
<p>In January 2026 Alex soloed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101" rel="noopener noreferrer">Taipei 101</a> in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]</p>
<h3>Other Work</h3>
<p>Alex co-presents the <a href="https://www.climbinggold.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climbing Gold</a> podcast alongside <a href="/climber/1696/fitz-cahall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fitz Cahall</a>.</p>
<p>In 2012 Alex founded <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Honnold Foundation</a>. The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. </p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107</a></p>
<p>[2] <em>Honnold Foundation</em> <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/</a></p>
<p>[3] <em>Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission</em> by <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> (2023) <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019</a></p>

After

<p>Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.</p>
<p>Most notably, Alex was the first – and to date only – person to free solo a route on <a href="/crag/8023/el-capitan" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Capitan</a> in Yosemite with his ascent of <a href="/climb/804/freerider" rel="noopener noreferrer">Freerider</a> in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included <a href="/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moonlight Buttress</a> (E6), <a href="/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Sendero Luminoso</a> (7c) and the <a href="/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face" rel="noopener noreferrer">Regular Northwest Face</a> of Half Dome (E5). </p>
<p>In January 2026 Alex soloed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101" rel="noopener noreferrer">Taipei 101</a> in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]</p>
<h3>Other Work</h3>
<p>Alex co-presents the <a href="https://www.climbinggold.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climbing Gold</a> podcast alongside <a href="/climber/1696/fitz-cahall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fitz Cahall</a>.</p>
<p>In 2012 Alex founded <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Honnold Foundation</a>. The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. </p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107</a></p>
<p>[2] <em>Honnold Foundation</em> <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/</a></p>
<p>[3] <em>Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission</em> by <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> (2023) <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019</a></p>

Before

Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.

Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017.

In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live streamed on Netflex. [1]

### Other Work

Alex co-presents the [Climbing Gold](https://www.climbinggold.com/) podcast alongside [Fitz Cahall](/climber/1696/fitz-cahall).

In 2012 Alex founded [The Honnold Foundation](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/). The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. 

### References

[1] [https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107](https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107)

[2] *Honnold Foundation* [https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/)

[3] *Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission* by [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) (2023) [https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760](https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760)

[4] [https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019](https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019)

After

Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.

Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). 

In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]

### Other Work

Alex co-presents the [Climbing Gold](https://www.climbinggold.com/) podcast alongside [Fitz Cahall](/climber/1696/fitz-cahall).

In 2012 Alex founded [The Honnold Foundation](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/). The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. 

### References

[1] [https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107](https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107)

[2] *Honnold Foundation* [https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/](https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/)

[3] *Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission* by [Natalie Berry](/climber/411/natalie-berry) (2023) [https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760](https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760)

[4] [https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019](https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@

 Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.

 

-Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017.

+Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on [El Capitan](/crag/8023/el-capitan) in Yosemite with his ascent of [Freerider](/climb/804/freerider) in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included [Moonlight Buttress](/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress) (E6), [El Sendero Luminoso](/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso) (7c) and the [Regular Northwest Face](/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face) of Half Dome (E5). 

 

-In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live streamed on Netflex. [1]

+In January 2026 Alex soloed [Taipei 101](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]

 

 ### Other Work

Before

<p>Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.</p>
<p>Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on <a href="/crag/8023/el-capitan" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Capitan</a> in Yosemite with his ascent of <a href="/climb/804/freerider" rel="noopener noreferrer">Freerider</a> in 2017.</p>
<p>In January 2026 Alex soloed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101" rel="noopener noreferrer">Taipei 101</a> in Taiwan in an event that was live streamed on Netflex. [1]</p>
<h3>Other Work</h3>
<p>Alex co-presents the <a href="https://www.climbinggold.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climbing Gold</a> podcast alongside <a href="/climber/1696/fitz-cahall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fitz Cahall</a>.</p>
<p>In 2012 Alex founded <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Honnold Foundation</a>. The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. </p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107</a></p>
<p>[2] <em>Honnold Foundation</em> <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/</a></p>
<p>[3] <em>Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission</em> by <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> (2023) <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019</a></p>

After

<p>Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished solo climbers of all time. His ascents throughout North America and the rest of the world have pushed the soloing standard to new heights.</p>
<p>Most notably Alex was the first person to free solo a route on <a href="/crag/8023/el-capitan" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Capitan</a> in Yosemite with his ascent of <a href="/climb/804/freerider" rel="noopener noreferrer">Freerider</a> in 2017. The ascent was the product of years of preparation, on top of an already groundbreaking solo ticklist, that included <a href="/climb/2288/moonlight-buttress" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moonlight Buttress</a> (E6), <a href="/climb/2016/el-sendero-luminoso" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Sendero Luminoso</a> (7c) and the <a href="/climb/2895/regular-northwest-face" rel="noopener noreferrer">Regular Northwest Face</a> of Half Dome (E5). </p>
<p>In January 2026 Alex soloed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101" rel="noopener noreferrer">Taipei 101</a> in Taiwan in an event that was live-streamed on Netflix. [1]</p>
<h3>Other Work</h3>
<p>Alex co-presents the <a href="https://www.climbinggold.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climbing Gold</a> podcast alongside <a href="/climber/1696/fitz-cahall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fitz Cahall</a>.</p>
<p>In 2012 Alex founded <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Honnold Foundation</a>. The foundation's aim is to improve access to solar electricity. </p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.netflix.com/watch/81987107</a></p>
<p>[2] <em>Honnold Foundation</em> <a href="https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.honnoldfoundation.org/</a></p>
<p>[3] <em>Free Solar? Alex Honnold's Other Mission</em> by <a href="/climber/411/natalie-berry" rel="noopener noreferrer">Natalie Berry</a> (2023) <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.ft.com/content/fdc13b02-43de-4fce-9068-0d613fa83760</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://archive.org/details/CLIMBTALK-Alex-Honnold-Chris-Weidner-Dave-McAllister-Dr-Susan-Nicholas-3-1-2019</a></p>

Before

false

After

true

Before

Noah Wheeler is a young and up and coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of [Wheel Rock](https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock) with his brother [Benn Wheeler](/climber/1945/benn-wheeler). 

Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 in which he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with [G-Master](/climb/2648/g-master), [Paint it Black](/climb/846/paint-it-black), and [Delirium](/climb/1432/delirium). In 2024 Noah repeated [Sleepwalker](/climb/825/sleepwalker) 8C+/V16 and [Insomniac](/climb/1341/insomniac) 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous [Return of the Sleepwalker](/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker) 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. 

### References

[1] [https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler](https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler)

[2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?)

After

Noah Wheeler is a young and up-and-coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of [Wheel Rock](https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock) with his brother [Benn Wheeler](/climber/1945/benn-wheeler). 

Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 when he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with [G-Master](/climb/2648/g-master), [Paint it Black](/climb/846/paint-it-black), and [Delirium](/climb/1432/delirium). In 2024 Noah repeated [Sleepwalker](/climb/825/sleepwalker) 8C+/V16 and [Insomniac](/climb/1341/insomniac) 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous [Return of the Sleepwalker](/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker) 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. He made short work of [Burden of Dreams](/climb/826/burden-of-dreams) (9A), finding it suited his board-honed style.

### References

[1] [https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler](https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler)

[2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@

-Noah Wheeler is a young and up and coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of [Wheel Rock](https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock) with his brother [Benn Wheeler](/climber/1945/benn-wheeler). 

+Noah Wheeler is a young and up-and-coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of [Wheel Rock](https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock) with his brother [Benn Wheeler](/climber/1945/benn-wheeler). 

 

-Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 in which he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with [G-Master](/climb/2648/g-master), [Paint it Black](/climb/846/paint-it-black), and [Delirium](/climb/1432/delirium). In 2024 Noah repeated [Sleepwalker](/climb/825/sleepwalker) 8C+/V16 and [Insomniac](/climb/1341/insomniac) 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous [Return of the Sleepwalker](/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker) 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. 

+Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 when he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with [G-Master](/climb/2648/g-master), [Paint it Black](/climb/846/paint-it-black), and [Delirium](/climb/1432/delirium). In 2024 Noah repeated [Sleepwalker](/climb/825/sleepwalker) 8C+/V16 and [Insomniac](/climb/1341/insomniac) 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous [Return of the Sleepwalker](/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker) 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. He made short work of [Burden of Dreams](/climb/826/burden-of-dreams) (9A), finding it suited his board-honed style.

 

 ### References

Before

<p>Noah Wheeler is a young and up and coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock">Wheel Rock</a> with his brother <a href="/climber/1945/benn-wheeler">Benn Wheeler</a>. </p>
<p>Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 in which he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with <a href="/climb/2648/g-master">G-Master</a>, <a href="/climb/846/paint-it-black">Paint it Black</a>, and <a href="/climb/1432/delirium">Delirium</a>. In 2024 Noah repeated <a href="/climb/825/sleepwalker">Sleepwalker</a> 8C+/V16 and <a href="/climb/1341/insomniac">Insomniac</a> 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous <a href="/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker">Return of the Sleepwalker</a> 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. </p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler">https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?">https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?</a></p>

After

<p>Noah Wheeler is a young and up-and-coming boulderer who currently resides in Colorado, USA. He is one half of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Wheel_Rock" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wheel Rock</a> with his brother <a href="/climber/1945/benn-wheeler" rel="noopener noreferrer">Benn Wheeler</a>. </p>
<p>Noah burst onto the scene in 2022 when he repeated three 8C/V15 boulders with <a href="/climb/2648/g-master" rel="noopener noreferrer">G-Master</a>, <a href="/climb/846/paint-it-black" rel="noopener noreferrer">Paint it Black</a>, and <a href="/climb/1432/delirium" rel="noopener noreferrer">Delirium</a>. In 2024 Noah repeated <a href="/climb/825/sleepwalker" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sleepwalker</a> 8C+/V16 and <a href="/climb/1341/insomniac" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insomniac</a> 8C+/V16. In the dying days of 2024 Noah repeated the infamous <a href="/climb/1116/return-of-the-sleepwalker" rel="noopener noreferrer">Return of the Sleepwalker</a> 9A/V17 at only 22 years of age, this made him the youngest person to climb 9A/V17 at the time of his ascent. He made short work of <a href="/climb/826/burden-of-dreams" rel="noopener noreferrer">Burden of Dreams</a> (9A), finding it suited his board-honed style.</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.grimper.com/news-mais-jeune-americain-nomme-noah-wheeler</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O6FI1hbAKBsel83KUqvNS?</a></p>

Before

A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. 

The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:

>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]

The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.

James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]

In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented:

>My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]

>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.

>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]

Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5]

### References

[1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life)

[2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?)

[3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html)

[4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/)

[5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I)

After

A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only exceeded by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. 

The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:

>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]

The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.

James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]

In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented:

>My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]

>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.

>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]

Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5]

### References

[1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life)

[2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?)

[3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html)

[4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/)

[5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@

-A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. 

+A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only exceeded by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. 

 

 The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:

Before

<p>A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. </p>
<p>The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p>
<p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p>
<p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p>
<p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p>
<p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained &amp; lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5]</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p>
<p>[5] <a href="https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I</a></p>

After

<p>A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only exceeded by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. </p>
<p>The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p>
<p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p>
<p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p>
<p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p>
<p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained &amp; lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5]</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p>
<p>[5] <a href="https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I</a></p>

Before

A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:

>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]

The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.

James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]

In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented:

>My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]

>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.

>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]

Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5]

### References

[1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life)

[2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?)

[3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html)

[4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/)

[5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I)

After

A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. 

The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:

>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]

The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.

James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]

In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented:

>My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]

>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.

>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]

Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5]

### References

[1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life)

[2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?)

[3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html)

[4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/)

[5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@

-A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:

+A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. 

+

+The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:

 

 >For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]

 

@@ -14,7 +16,7 @@

 

 >But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]

 

-Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5]

+Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5]

 

 ### References

Before

<p>A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p>
<p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p>
<p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p>
<p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p>
<p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained &amp; lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5]</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p>
<p>[5] <a href="https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I</a></p>

After

<p>A stunning coastal slab adventure whose immense proportions are perhaps only outdone by the size of the grading controversy that accompanied its first ascent. </p>
<p>The route has a somewhat complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p>
<p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p>
<p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p>
<p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p>
<p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained &amp; lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and the route was E9 according to his experience. [5]</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p>
<p>[5] <a href="https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I</a></p>

Before

<p>A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p>
<p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p>
<p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p>
<p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p>
<p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained &amp; lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p>

After

<p>A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called <a href="/climb/2925/dyer-straits" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyer Straits</a> (E8) was originally climbed by <a href="/climber/221" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ian Vickers</a> that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. <a href="/climber/153" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Pearson</a> then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by <a href="/climber/146" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dave MacLeod</a> (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.</p>
<p>James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]</p>
<p>In 2023 <a href="/climber/322/tom-randall" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tom Randall</a> commented:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>My view, having climbed both WOL and <a href="/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest" rel="noopener noreferrer">Once Upon</a> is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]</p>
<p>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.</p>
<p>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained &amp; lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5]</p>
<h3>References</h3>
<p>[1] <a href="https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?</a></p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/</a></p>
<p>[5] <a href="https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I</a></p>

Before

A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:

>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]

The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.

James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]

In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented:

>My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]

>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.

>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]

### References

[1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life)

[2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?)

[3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html)

[4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/)

After

A route with a complicated history. An indirect line called [Dyer Straits](/climb/2925/dyer-straits) (E8) was originally climbed by [Ian Vickers](/climber/221) that used a lot of pegs (although the pegs were not placed by him) [2]. [James Pearson](/climber/153) then removed the pegs and added a direct start, suggesting the unprecedented grade of E12. The route was quickly repeated by [Dave MacLeod](/climber/146) (who was injured at the time) who suggested a downgrade to E9, commenting:

>For James to come to this blank canvas of a wall and have the courage to see past all the uncertainties and unknowns to make a route is a brilliant achievement. But although trad climbs truly deserving of E9 and above are still very few and far between in the world, there are some, and they’ve been around for a while. The Walk of Life stands among these routes, not above them. [1]

The harsh criticism which was levelled at James from the climbing community for overgrading this route (and supposedly others), led to him moving to Innsbruck to get away from the UK climbing scene.

James has since reflected that, having grown up bouldering and climbing short, bold gritstone routes, The Walk of Life lay far outside his comfort zone. Lacking the experience to recognise his own weaknesses on that style of climb, he was led to propose the lofty grade of E12.[2]

In 2023 [Tom Randall](/climber/322/tom-randall) commented:

>My view, having climbed both WOL and [Once Upon](/climb/562/once-upon-a-time-in-the-southwest) is that James’s effort was most definitely E10 and the E9 downgrade was one of those things that was not quite right [...]

>What I do think (and obvs it’s just my opinion) is that Once Upon has to be E8 if WOL E9 or we accept that maybe things got too compressed. I’d gladly lead one of the lines any day of the week, the other, deffo not 😅😅. My view after quite a bit of time on that wall is top end E8 for OUATITSW and bottom end E10 for WOL.

>But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]

Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5]

### References

[1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life)

[2] [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HAuDaq2kSHM6L7vdDu6uu?)

[3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html)

[4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/)

[5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I)

Diff

--- before

+++ after

@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@

 

 >But…… it gets more complicated 😅. The WOL has gained & lost holds since James did it (easy to spot from the old video footage) and I’d say in current state it IS a solid E9. So I guess that’s the ever changing state of chossy sea cliffs? No ascent is quite the same? [4]

 

+Dave has stated that he doesn’t agree with this assessment, and was E9 according to his experience. [5]

+

 ### References

 

 [1] [https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life](https://davemacleod.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Walk%20of%20Life)

@@ -22,4 +24,6 @@

 

 [3] [https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html](https://www.planetmountain.com/en/news/climbing/james-pearson-interview-after-the-walk-of-life.html)

 

-[4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/)
+[4] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/](https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAmEhvs68L/)

+

+[5] [https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I](https://youtu.be/gbbgYR_6B7I)

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