Top 10 Female Rock Climbers of 2015
Women have been doing amazing things in sports for as long as they've been allowed to play - and in many cases, even before. Rock climbing is no different. From Lynn Hill beating the boys up The Nose in Yosemite to Ashima Shiraishi, a 14-year-old, climbing some of the hardest problems and routes in the world, women are making their mark in the sport of climbing.This is a list of the best female rock climbers in the world in 2015. This means that, regardless of the time of their individual peaks in climbing, they must currently be climbing in 2015.
This 14-year-old has broken records for hard climbing by such a young adult. She has climbed to within a short reach of the hardest climbs ever put up in the world and has defied the odds by excelling in multiple disciplines of climbing.
I am 13 years old, a girl, and (not to brag) one of the best climbers at my local gym. Ashima Shiraishi opened my eyes to the world of climbing. But let's be honest, I will never live up to the fantastically high bar she has set.
She is amazing and really inspiring for me and everyone out there.
Met with and spoke to Sasha in a writing class at Columbia in 2016. She has more than drive and passion - she has the emotional and physical fortitude to withstand life's tragedies and disappointments. She is THE top choice.
This 23-year-old phenom has set records for her climbing ability. Being the first woman to climb 5.14d (twice) and winning multiple awards hasn't dampened her drive to become, or remain, the best female rock climber of all time.
While she might not be climbing the hardest climbs of today, she still has notable ascents under her belt. Her history of raising the bar for climbers, not just women, puts her squarely at the top of this list.
She has both a college education and a background in gymnastics, yet she is still often touted as one of the best climbers in the world, and in history.
Disagree! She is #1! Maybe the first two are the best modern gym climbers or outdoor sport climbers, but Lynn Hill was the first person ever to free The Nose. Also, some of her on-sights in Joshua Tree go as the first two to lead, and I believe they would be humble and say, Um, no, Lynn is better.
Once famed for being the love interest of climbing star Chris Sharma, Daila has made her own name and stepped out from the shadows. She is both a brand ambassador for multiple climbing and clothing companies and an accomplished climber. Her ascents of some of the hardest routes in the world set her apart from almost every other climber.
Known for her bouldering prowess, Lisa began as an aid climber, then switched to a sport climber before finding her true climbing passion. She has climbed some of the hardest routes in the world and bouldered at the top of the sport.
Alex specializes in bouldering and regularly competes in competitions all over the world. Between making the cover of magazines for her dedication to fitness, as well as her climbing accomplishments, Alex has become an inspiration to both men and women in the climbing world.
As a 9-time National Champion, Alex inspires thousands of women with her immense strength and dedication to her sport. She is incredible and will go down as one of the greats!
I think Alex is a way better climber than Ashima!
An incredible rock climber, BASE jumper, and wingsuit flyer, Steph has climbed some of the hardest trad and sport climbs in the world. She also spends her time talking to women and kids and serving as an inspiration to everyone.
The youngest woman to climb 5.14a, and one of the only women to climb 5.14c trad, Beth has become known for her hard ascents, groundbreaking new lines, and tireless dedication to her passion for climbing.
14 trad? Okay, way harder than any sport climb.
I saw her yesterday at my climbing gym and watched her do the speed wall. She did it in 12 seconds, and later I found out that's not even her best. She's AMAZING!
Similar tenacity to Lynn Hill and first to break a barrier (5.15). Should be top 5 for sure.
She should be way higher up. Top 5 for sure, in my opinion.
The fact that Brooke Raboutou is so young but can still climb all of the rocks (if not more) that the people on this list can climb makes her amazing.
I've seen Shauna training at my local center, and she's on another planet. The awards she's won say it all, really!
She has some of the strongest and smoothest climbing I've ever watched.
She's on a different level to everyone else. Winner at both lead and bouldering, and she's flashed two 8c's outside.
She makes it look so easy, I think I can do it too.
You have to update your list and put her on top!
A mother, nurse, and hard climber all in one, Jacinda boulders V11 and redpoints 5.14b. These are feats by themselves that defy most climbers.
A master of all disciplines, Brittany can not only "hang" with the boys but also frequently climbs right past them. Known for her desert traditional climbing skills, she is sponsored by multiple companies and regularly puts up first ascents.
Such a role model for young climbers. She has inspired me in so many ways.
Saw her climbing while growing up as a kid! She's amazing!
She redefines what climbing technique means. If there ever was a climbing "genius," it would be Akiyo!