"I conscientiously work on being positive in life.  When I am positive, I’m more productive and open-minded, and that carries over into climbing.”

"I am overwhelmed and humbled by the support I’ve received from the climbing community, and my family and friends near and far. None of us achieves our dreams alone, we do so together, and build on those who have come before us. We are a community that not only supports each other regardless of our backgrounds and differences, but is also one that realizes the importance of respecting and preserving our planet.”

Margo Hayes

MARGO HAYES, age 19, made history by climbing La Rambla in Siurana, Spain, becoming the first woman to send 5.15a. Although Hayes is the first female to send a confirmed 5.15a, Ashima Shiraishi and Spanish climber, Josune Bereziartu are nipping at her heels.  Both of these incredibly gifted climbers have sent routes graded 5.14d/5.15a.   Bereziartu established the second ascent of Bimbaluna at St. Loup, Switzerland, in 2005.  While Shiraishi sent Ciudad de Dios in Santa Linya, Spain, in March 2015.  

Route History: La Rambla Original, the shorter version rated 5.14c, was first established by Alexander Huber in 1994, after a crucial hold broke near the top of the longer version.  Nine years later, Ramón Julián Puigblanque extended the climb and made the first ascent of what is now called La Rambla (5.15a).  Since his historic ascent, many of the world’s greatest climbers have added La Rambla to their impressive resumes, including the legendary Chris Sharma (see profile page w videos), Adam Ondra (on his fifth attempt), Alex Megos (on his second attempt), and most recently, Boulder, Colorado, native Matty Hong.  Hong sent La Rambla, his second 5.15a, the day before Hayes made the first female ascent.  

To hear our exclusive interview with Margo just before her asent, please tune into our Podcase below.