V13 Boulder Route Now Ruled by a 10-Year-Old

Somewhere in New York City is a third grader who leaves climbers twice her age in her chalk dust (this writer included).

Then to add insult to injury, two days ago, 2012 ABS Youth Bouldering champion Ashima Shiraishi completed not only the hardest outdoor bouldering problem of her career, but also of anyone's in her age group.  

Her repetition of the famous Fred Nicole V13 Crown of Aragorn route at Hueco Tanks, Texas, made the 10-year-old the only woman to send the problem, and the youngest person, either male or female, to complete one of that grade.

Those of us who have borne witness to Ashima in training can say that she, unlike other kids her age, possesses an almost scary level of quietude and focus when on the wall. It's not surprising that she's already sponsored and will likely remain on the outdoor sports radar well into adulthood.  

So let's share in the humility while watching her in action at the ABS's recent national championship in Colorado Springs, CO.

--Benita Hussain / Image from 2012 ABS 13 Youth National Championship Highlights video by Louder Than 11.