From Gripped Magazine · Brandon Pullan · · 40s
13-Year-Old Kwon Gaeun Climbs First 5.15a
South Korean climber Kwon Gaeun, 13, completes her first 5.15a route in Italy.
In brief
South Korean climber Kwon Gaeun, 13, completes her first 5.15a route in Italy. 13-year-old South Korean climber Kwon Gaeun successfully sent Pure Dreaming Plus 5.15a in Arco, Italy, marking her first of the grade. Originally reported by Gripped Magazine.
Kwon Gaeun's First 5.15a
South Korean climber Kwon Gaeun, 13, completed Pure Dreaming Plus 5.15a in Arco, Italy for her first of the grade.
“Since the route leads straight into a roof right from the start, i was physically exhausted by the time i reached the final crux near the top”
Her Training Journey
Gaeun trained in Korea for months before the trip, overcoming hard training to achieve this grade.
“She has overcome hard training since she was very young, and the demanding power-endurance training we started several months before this trip seems to have paid off”
Father's Perspective
Her father, Younghye, a 2023 Ice Climbing World Cup winner, praised her endurance and dedication.
“I am extremely happy that gaeun sent this nine a plus five point fifteen a personally however the process matters more than the result itself”
The main idea
13-year-old South Korean climber Kwon Gaeun successfully sent Pure Dreaming Plus 5.15a in Arco, Italy, marking her first of the grade.
