Jonathan Siegrist is opening a tough sport climbing route in the Utah Hills not far from Las Vegas. Anemology has a difficulty level of 9b and, according to the American professional climber, is “relentless, varied and super bouldering”.
Last Tuesday could Jonathan Siegrist his route Anemology in the Utah Hills, which he drilled in March and began planning in April. With a difficulty level of 9b, his new line is one of the hardest in the United States.
I am proud and grateful that I persevered and fought until the end.
Jonathan Siegrist
Persevere despite ups and downs
As a route, Anemology is relentless, varied and extremely bouldery, says Jonathan Siegrist. “At first it felt like a multi-season project, but then I suddenly started making serious progress.”
This bright spot was soon followed by a setback: During a desperate fight on his route, Jonathan Siegrist slit his finger. So deep that the skin needed more than three weeks to heal. However, the American didn't want to give himself that much time. So he tapped his fingertips and carried on.
I learned what I could and avoided those holds that were too painful.
Jonathan Siegrist
Inspiration returns
But even after his fingers healed, Siegrist was unable to make important linkups. «I was on the verge of giving up for the season. Then I gave myself a few more days to see if there was any progress, which fortunately it did."
The inspiration was fully there again. The good conditions were only short-lived. After a week of waiting, the temperatures finally fell back into the climbable range. But the desert summer was just around the corner.
I felt the pressure of an entire season of effort coming to an end, and I couldn't help but be reminded of several times last year when I was so close to completing various projects but just didn't get it done before the season closed was the end.
Jonathan Siegrist
Luckily this time everything worked together and Jonathan Siegrist reached Anemology's diverter (9b). “The doubts came and went, but I stayed anyway, and that seems to have been the key for me.”
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Credits: Cover picture @marble_rye