Adam Ondra

Adam Ondra redpointed his first 9a (5.14d) route, ‘Martin Krpan’ at Misja Pec in 2006, marking the beginning of a career defined by unprecedented achievements in professional rock climbing. His early prowess was evident as he onsighted 7b+ (5.12c) routes by 2001 and progressed to redpointing 8c (5.14b) by 2004. Ondra quickly transitioned into competitive climbing, securing consecutive IFSC World Youth Championship titles in 2007 and 2008. His professional debut in the Lead Climbing World Cup in 2009 resulted in a first-place finish.

In 2010, he achieved a historic milestone by winning the Bouldering World Cup, becoming the first athlete to win World Cups in both lead and bouldering disciplines, all while pursuing higher education at Masaryk University. Ondra continued to push the boundaries of sport climbing with significant first ascents. In 2011, he became only the second person to onsight an 8c+ (5.14c) route, further solidifying his elite status. He established the world’s first 9b+ (5.15c) route, ‘Change’, in 2012, and quickly followed this by ascending ‘La Dura Dura’, his second 9b+ (5.15c), in 2013.

Throughout his professional career, Ondra has demonstrated continuous progression in grading and technique, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in rock climbing. His sustained performance at the sport’s highest echelons ensures his ongoing influence and status as a pioneering force in the climbing world.