31-Year-Old Climber Becomes First Woman to Conquer Terrifying Ascent

Angela Eiter, a 31-year-old professional climber from Austria, has become the first woman to ascend Spain’s La Planta de Shiva climbing route, which is rated as a “9b,” one of climbing’s most difficult, reports the BBC. It notes that Eiter prepared for the climb for two years, making replicas of its holds and installing them at her local climbing wall to practice on.

Unbelievable! ?? Slowly I start to realize what I’ve triggered in the climbing community when I clipped the anchor of a route 24 hours ago. I didn’t expected so many congratulations ? ?. People you are awesome ??! Trying „Planta de Shiva“ was an amazing experience and I really enjoyed every session on the route since October 2015 although I struggled with many defeats during the process. I didn’t believe I can do it and actually decided just to focus on the second pitch of “Planta de Shiva” without the first one as it turned out to be hard enough for me. Many sessions were needed to figure out the moves. ? Anyway, I knew it was my style and I was inspired by the moves, which I guess was the key to my success. In support of a specific preparation at home I started to try combining the second pitch and I surprisingly made very good progress. This October I completed the second pitch. Then, I wanted to know if I can also add the first powerful 8c pitch. Two days later on Sunday 22 October I found the answer… ? @michal_climb #verleihflügel #jedentagtirol @team_edelrid @lasportivagram

A post shared by Angy Eiter (@angyeiter) on Oct 23, 2017 at 12:26pm PDT

Humbly reflecting on her accomplishment on social media, Eiter called the climb “an amazing experience,” writing: “I really enjoyed every session on the route since October 2015 although I struggled with many defeats during the process. Many sessions were needed to figure out the moves.”

One of the most memorable days of my life. Planta de Shiva 9b ✅ … I still can’t believe it. A dream came true! ????? #verleihtflügel #jedentagtirol @team_edelrid @lasportivagram #9b ? Redbull Contentpool/ E.Holzknecht

A post shared by Angy Eiter (@angyeiter) on Oct 22, 2017 at 12:08pm PDT