Ashima Shiraishi is the first female to send a 5.15

After four days of projecting, Ashima Shiraishi sent the route called ‘Open Your Mind’ in Santa Linya, Spain. And for those of you unfamiliar with Ashima, she is 13 years old! The New Yorker traveled to Spain to climb the route during her spring break.

I was able to be the first person to send the route after the hold broke off!

“I was able to be the first person to send the route after the hold broke off!” Ashima announced on her Instagram post after completing the route.

‘Open Your Mind’ was established in 2008 by Roman Julian. Historically, it has been regarded as a 5.14d (9a). However, a high-route broken hold has led to the conscientious that the route now holds a rating of 5.15a. Ashima has been climbing half of her life, starting at age 7. Other notable ascents have been the second female to climb a V14 and youngest to climb the Crown of Aragorn – a confirmed V13. Earlier this year the North Face became one of Ashima’s sponsors, making her the youngest athlete on their roster. Her other sponsors include Evolv, Clif Bar, and Petzl. The New York native turns 14 next month.