Shauna Coxsey Becomes First Woman to Scale Olympiad

British climber Shauna Coxsey has made climbing history by becoming the first woman to complete Olympiad, widely regarded as the UK's hardest deep-water solo route. The 8b/5.13d climb at Skrinkle Haven in Pembrokeshire, Wales, rises 12 metres above the Celtic Sea and follows a steep 45-degree overhanging wall.

Shauna completed the demanding route in just two attempts, making her the sixth climber to successfully ascend it and setting a new speed record in the process. The route had previously been climbed by Steve McClure, Edmund Morris, Josh Ibbertson and Cailean Harker, following its establishment by Neil Gresham in 2012.

Key Highlights:

• Shauna Coxsey becomes the first woman to climb Olympiad, graded 8b/5.13d
• She completes the 12-metre deep-water solo route in only two attempts
• Shauna also records the fastest ascent of the challenging Pembrokeshire climb

Unlike conventional climbing, deep-water soloing (DWS) involves climbing above open water without ropes or protective equipment, with the sea providing the landing zone in the event of a fall. This makes conditions such as tides, temperature, wind, and humidity crucial to both safety and performance.

Before attempting Olympiad without a rope, Shauna inspected the route while roped up to assess its difficult sequences and potential fall zones. Despite expecting a prolonged battle, she successfully linked the route on her second attempt.

“Olympiad is one of the most captivating climbs I’ve ever seen,” Shauna said, describing the route's demanding moves and complicated logistics. She also admitted that completing it so quickly was unexpected.

The ascent adds another significant achievement to Shauna's already distinguished career. The MBE-honoured climber won the IFSC Bouldering World Cup overall title in 2016 and 2017 and earned bronze medals at the 2019 World Championships. She represented Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where sport climbing made its Olympic debut, before stepping away from regular competition.

Shauna has continued to pursue demanding outdoor climbing projects since leaving the competition circuit. She has completed several elite boulder problems in recent years and returned briefly to competition in 2026, winning the final edition of the Climbing Works International Festival.

Her first female ascent of Olympiad marks another breakthrough for women in high-consequence climbing. By taking on one of Britain's most difficult DWS routes, Shauna has demonstrated the combination of technical ability, physical control and composure required to perform above open water.

A film documenting her ascent is expected to be released on Red Bull's YouTube channel in 2027. Shauna is also continuing work on her long-term project, Hazel Grace Low (f8C), in Switzerland.