Michaela Kiersch Just Had Her Best Bouldering Day Ever
She won the 2024 Hueco Rock Rodeo over the weekend, climbing four problems V12 and above
The 28th annual Hueco Rock Rodeo outdoor bouldering competition was held over the weekend in Hueco Tanks, Texas. American climber Michaela Kiersch competed in the event and ended up having a mind-blowing day of climbing. Over the day of competition, she climbed one V13, one V12/13, two V12s, two V11s, two V10s, and two V8s. With a total of 7437 points, she easily placed first in the Women’s Open category. Nina Williams earned second with 5614 points and Maya Ene took third with 5529 points.
“Easily my best day of bouldering ever!” said Kiersch on Instagram. “Crown of Aragorn was one of the top climbs on my list for the day — extra sweet because it was my first V13 many years ago and I’ve progressed to a place in my climbing where I can repeat it in a few tries.”
In the Men’s Open category Paul Robinson came in first with 8152 points, Nathaniel Coleman placed second with 7934 points, and Daniel Woods third with 7480 points. Kiersch very nearly bested Woods with her points total. For the full 2024 Hueco Rock Rodeo results, visit Kaya here.
Kiersch’s Hueco Rock Rodeo Ticklist
- Mr. Serious V8
- Better Eat Your Wheaties V9
- Swiss Crisp Mix V10
- Left Chupacabra V10
- Landjager V11
- Sunshine V11
- Rumble in the Jungle V12
- Phantom Limb V12
- Thrilla in Manilla V12/13
- Crown of Aragorn V13
Kiersch has become one of the best boulderers in the world over the past few years. In late January and early February 2024, she racked up multiple problems V12 and up in Hueco Tanks. On one particular sendy day, she sent Power of Landjager V11, The Full Monty V12, and Thrilla in Manila V13. A few days later, she went on to send Nagual V13.
In early 2023, she took a short trip to Ticino and climbed a flurry of hard problems in Cresciano and Brione including two V12s and six V11s. In Spring 2022, she took a longer trip to Magic Wood, where she sent 16 problems V10 and higher—two V14’s, three V13’s, five V12’s, four V11’s, and two V10’s. Kiersch is also no slouch on a rope, sending the famous La Rambla 5.15a in winter 2023 5.15a and Squamish’s Dreamcatcher 5.14d in fall 2022.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
