That must mean something when Adam Ondra talks about the best bouldering days of his life. Two days in Aosta and the Czech climber's tick list is impressive.
A tick list that's worth seeing
After his lead victory at the rock master Three weeks ago, Adam Ondra didn't rest on his laurels. Instead, during a two-day trip to Aosta, he once again made it clear why he is called the GOAT.
Last Wednesday he first got Ziqqurat (8C) On the third go. The following day, the 32-year-old dazzled. Gliese 581 (8B+) and noted on his tick list that it might have felt more like an 8B to him and Ghost Ship (8B+)Furthermore, he was also able to do something after two dabs. Wheel of Champo (8B) Check it off the list.
Flash or 1st Go?
“Ziqqurat is one of the best boulders I’ve ever done – but Ghost Ship is probably even better,” Ondra wrote on Instagram. He really gave it his all for the flash of the 8C, but had to admit with a grin that he probably still needs to work a bit on his toe hooks.
Ghost Ship, however, was a completely different story. "It was pure luck. I hadn't planned on flashing the boulder at all," he says about the highball. The line was quite dirty, so he cleaned it first – rappelling down from the top, slowly making his way down, cleaning it piece by piece. This also gave him a chance to take a look at the holds and get a good feel for the route.
I didn't fall and, in my most epic battle ever, fought my way up the line in complete disbelief.
Adam Ondra
Ondra further writes that he doesn't usually touch the holds while rappelling – for him, that would diminish the flash somewhat. "I would describe my go as a less clean flash," he says. However, checking the holds before attempting a flash seems to be gaining more acceptance in the climbing community.
We can look forward to a video from Crimp Films about the two days in the coming days.
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Credits: Cover image: provided by Adam Ondra. Image: Crimp films