Michaela Kiersch recently made waves in the climbing community by successfully ascending Hazel Grace V14 (8B+) in Switzerland during a two-week trip to the Gottardo bouldering hotspot. Alongside this remarkable achievement, she also climbed several other impressive routes, including Power of Zero V13 and two V12s. Kiersch expressed her excitement on social media, highlighting both the challenges and the joys of her solo trip, which featured support from fellow climber Giuliano Cameroni. Hazel Grace was first climbed by Cameroni in 2017, and many notable climbers have since repeated the route.

By the Numbers
  • Kiersch climbed six routes at V11 and above, including Hazel Grace V14 and Power of Zero V13.
  • Hazel Grace has been repeated by top climbers like Sam Weir and Will Bosi, alongside its first female ascent by Shauna Coxsey in 2024.
State of Play
  • Kiersch's recent sends reinforce her status as a leading figure in women's bouldering.
  • Her climbing achievements include being the first woman to climb V15 and 5.15a.
What's Next

Kiersch’s climb of Hazel Grace positions her for further exploration and potential achievements in competitive bouldering. Given her track record, she's likely to push the boundaries of women's climbing with future ascents.

Bottom Line

Michaela Kiersch’s successful ascent of Hazel Grace V14 not only reinforces her as a top-tier climber but also highlights the growing recognition and respect for women in the climbing community. Her achievements continue to inspire future generations of climbers.