Michaela Kiersch in the form of her life

Michaela Kiersch returns from Catalonia with a huge ticklist. With Victima Perfecta (9a+) she managed her most difficult route to date, and with Crimptonite (8b+) she achieved the hardest onsight ascent of her career.

For Michaela Kiersch An intensive time in the Spanish climbing meccas Margalef and Oliana over. On her ticklist are tough routes like Victima Perfecta (9a+), Victimes del Passat R1 and R2 (both 8c+), Combifetis (8c) and Crimptonite (8b+, Onsight).

Stronger than ever before: Michaela Kiersch.
Stronger than ever before: Michaela Kiersch.

Struggle with high expectations

The ascent of Victima Perfecta (9a+) in particular represents a great success for the strong American, especially since it is her most difficult route to date. At the same time, she struggled a lot with her own high standards during the project planning phase.

My biggest fear going into this trip was knowing that I would be in the best shape of my life and at the same time not be able to express myself properly (through successful climbs).

Michaela Kiersch

She constantly had this in the back of her mind as she planned different routes and ultimately failed for weeks. “I am extremely intrinsically motivated and therefore have high expectations of myself,” says Michaela Kiersch.

As a result, she has severe struggles when she does not live up to her own demands, which manifests itself in the form of self-degrading thoughts, self-doubt and anxiety.

Doubt as part of project planning

“I knew I was capable of climbing Victima Perfecta.” This was shown by the fact that she fell on the last train for several days. However, her ego and the idea that she must have scored the line long ago held her back.

Looking back, Michaela Kiersch realized that she did not recognize the hard work and process involved in project planning.

I'm so glad that I've achieved an emotional maturity through climbing that allows me to be proud of myself.

Michaela Kiersch
The 60 degree overhangs in Margalef, combined with the sharp pockets, have left their mark.
The 60 degree overhangs in Margalef, combined with the sharp pockets, have left their mark.

Major regeneration needed

After a brutal month in Margalef, which took its toll on her body, Michaela Kiersch moved on to Oliana, where she achieved her first 8b+ onsight ascent.

I really wanted to maintain my momentum and was overjoyed with my first 8b+ onsight ascent.

Michaela Kiersch

Really euphoric, she started trying Joe Mama (9a+). Unfortunately, a central handle broke. And at some point, Michaela Kiersch simply ran out of energy. “Several days of rest couldn’t save me.” That's why she's now treating herself to a week or two of relaxation.

That might interest you

Do you like our climbing magazine? When launching the climbing magazine Lacrux, we decided not to introduce a paywall because we want to provide as many like-minded people as possible with news from the climbing scene.

In order to be more independent of advertising revenue in the future and to provide you with even more and better content, we need your support.

Therefore: Help and support our magazine with a small contribution. Naturally you benefit multiple times. How? You will find out here.

+ + +

Credits: Cover picture Michaela Kiersch

News

Adam Ondra cracks 9A boulder Soudain Seul | Fontainebleau

Adam Ondra announces the successful ascent of the boulder Soudain...

“That was an absolute game changer for me” – Megos on breathing exercises

For around four years, breathing exercises have played a key role in the everyday life of top climber Alexander Megos. In this video, he reveals how breathing exercises help him climb better.

Dispute over Würzburg climbing hall Rock Inn escalates

As the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation recently reported in a detailed report, the dispute over the Rock Inn climbing hall in Würzburg is becoming increasingly absurd. What's going on?
00:26:46

Magnus Midtbo takes creatine for 2 months – and becomes massively stronger | Self-test

Magnus Midtbo took creatine for the first time in his career and analyzed in a self-test what effect the dietary supplement had on his body.

Adam Ondra cracks 9A boulder Soudain Seul | Fontainebleau

Adam Ondra announces the successful ascent of the Soudain Seul boulder in Fontainebleau. Ondra is unsure about the level of difficulty. Details about the ascent in the video interview. He wanted to...

“That was an absolute game changer for me” – Megos on breathing exercises

For around four years, breathing exercises have played a key role in the everyday life of top climber Alexander Megos. In this video, he reveals how breathing exercises help him climb better.

Dispute over Würzburg climbing hall Rock Inn escalates

As the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation recently reported in a detailed report, the dispute over the Rock Inn climbing hall in Würzburg is becoming increasingly absurd. What's going on?