Marieta Akalski is fifth Canadian woman to climb 5.14

Toronto-based Marieta Akalski has committed the majority of 2014 to sport climbing. From Colorado to  Spain, she is leaving her mark everywhere she goes. On Oct. 1, Akalski sent her first 5.14a, the Rodellar  route is called Geminis. She became the fifth Canadian woman and second Ontario woman to climb 5.14. Akalski told Gripped, “The climb was awesome, I had to work very hard. I fell on the last hold a couple of times. Had to work through less than ideal conditions with wet holds. I did it my third try today after my foot slipped going to the last hold on my second. I was in shock as I was in the air again. I tried 150 per cent on the third try because I was tired of falling at the top. It was quite the battle.”

Akalski joins a group of strong Canadian women who have climbed 5.14a: First was Ellen Powick on Pipedream at Maple Canyon, then Josie Hetyie from Vancouver, then last year Vikki Weldon sent Eulogy, also at Maple Canyon and this year Leslie Timms sent Magnum Opus in Lime Kiln Canyon near Mesquite, Nevada.