Editors
Editors

Historic: Michaela Kiersch repeats Dreamtime, the world's first 8C boulder

bouldering

Michaela Kiersch was the first woman to repeat the legendary Fred Nicole boulder Dreamtime (8C) in Cresciano. For the American professional climber, it is another highlight in her more than impressive palmarès.

Michaela Kiersch has achieved what many athletes before her have already tried to do: The first women’s ascent of Dreamtime, the first 8C boulder in the world. The strong American was very happy. "I am forever grateful to be able to count the first 8C in the world among my boulders."

I am at a loss for words. I can't believe I have fulfilled this dream.

Michaela Kiersch

By repeating the line in Cresciano, which the Swiss bouldering pioneer Fred Nicole created 24 years ago, she consolidates her position as one of the best climbers in the world. Michaela Kiersch is so far the only woman to a 9a+ sport climbing route and climbed an 8C boulder.

A success with announcement

For anyone who has followed the climbing career of the occupational therapist with a doctorate in recent years, the ascent of Dreamtime (8C) should not have come as a complete surprise. She usually returned from climbing trips with an extensive tick list.

And even when she broke a finger a few weeks before a bouldering trip to the Rocklands this summer, the injury did not stop her from climbing numerous difficult lines. In the end, she returned home from her "rehab holiday" in South Africa with 18 boulders between 7C+ and 8B+ in her luggage.

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Michaela Kiersch in the form of her life

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Credits: Cover picture Michaela Kiersch

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Rätikon: Babsi Zangerl & Jacopo Larcher repeat “Déjà” (8c+) – the hardest multi-pitch ascent by a woman

Editors -
With their free ascent of "Déjà" on the south face of the Kirchlispitzen, the Austrian woman and the Italian man have completed their hardest project to date in the Rätikon. It is the first time the line has ever been repeated – and probably the first time a woman has climbed a multi-pitch route graded 8c+.
Read more

First 9a+ for Leo Cea (13): “No Pain No Gain” in Rodellar

Editors -
Climbing a 9a+ was Leo Cea's clear goal for 2026. The year is far from over, but the plan has already been achieved: On September 2nd, the 13-year-old German-Chilean climber completed a real endurance challenge with "No Pain No Gain" in Rodellar.
Read more

RENATURATION | Silvan Schüpbach – Trad in Wilderswil

Editors -
John Thornton's film "Renaturation" follows Silvan Schüpbach to Wilderswil. There, he freed a forgotten sport climbing route from its rusty bolts and then climbed it clean. A film about style, climbing ethics, and what climbing beyond maximum difficulty can mean.
Read more