Katie Lamb achieved her first ascent of 130 BPM V15 (8C) in Yosemite Valley, marking the first time a woman has opened a completely new V15. This feat adds to her impressive record of six V15 or harder problems and follows her historic first female ascent of V16 with The Dark Side last year. Lamb's journey reflects her exploration of instinct and intuition in climbing, overcoming the challenges of analytical thinking that can hinder performance. Her accomplishments solidify her position at the forefront of the bouldering community.

By the Numbers
  • 130 BPM V15 (8C) is Lamb's first FA at this grade.
  • She has six problems rated V15 or harder in her climbing career.
State of Play
  • Lamb's first ascent of 130 BPM sets a new benchmark for female climbers in bouldering.
  • She continues to climb at a high level, with multiple V15 and V16 ascents in recent years.
What's Next

As Lamb continues to push the limits of bouldering, she may inspire more women to pursue higher grades. Future climbs may focus on further innovations in technique and style, encouraging a shift in how ascents are approached in the elite climbing community.

Bottom Line

Lamb's ascent of 130 BPM highlights both her personal growth and the evolving landscape of women's climbing, reflecting a momentum towards groundbreaking achievements. Her journey emphasizes the importance of intuition alongside technical mastery, heralding a new era for female climbers.