The American bouldering professional Dave Graham has had an impressive year of climbing: at the end of March he can still look forward to the first ascent of Celestite (8C+), at the beginning of May the setback follows: an annular ligament injury. But Graham is fighting back and has shown an impressive increase in performance over the last six months. Time for a summary.
Dave Graham has been one of the big names in climbing for several decades - and is part of the inventory in Val Bavona anyway. In the spring of this year he learned that he never tires of opening up new high-end boulders and climbing them for the first time Celestial (8C+) proven.
On March 28th I was able to climb my main goal of the season in Val Bavona.
David Graham.
Bitter setback
Dave Graham crowns his winter season in Ticino with a repeat of the bouldering Peace Corps (8C). Almost two weeks later, the American was injured during an indoor training session
I went home that evening fearing the worst. I had my finger checked and the damn A2 annular ligament injury I suspected was diagnosed.
Dave Graham
However, Graham didn't stay away from the rock for long. In mid-August he climbed Bonjour Fitness (8A+/8B) in one day - a positive indication of his ongoing recovery.
Form test passed: Dave Graham climbs Bonjour Fitness (8A+/8B).
Shape curve points upwards
Over the course of the summer season on the higher passes followed Golden Gate (8A+), Stairway to Heaven (8B) and the first ascent of Adularia (8C).
On September 26th, after a protracted battle with conditions and the recovery of my finger, I topped this brilliant compression line.
Dave Graham
Another difficult boulder from the Graham forge: Adularia (8C).
When Dave Graham made his third ascent on October 16th Hazel Grace Sit (8C/8C+), it was clear: the bouldering pioneer not only recovered from his injury, but also emerged stronger from it. Considering that the bouldering season is about to start in the Swiss Sonnenstube, we are excited to see what Dave The Wizard Graham will enchant us with.
Dave Graham secures the third ascent of Hazel Grace Sit (8C/8C+).
That might interest you
- This is how Dave Graham climbs Celestite (8C+) | Video
- These are the most difficult boulders in the world
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Credits: Cover picture Mellow