Climber Shauna Coxsey has become the first woman to complete one of Britain’s toughest deep-water solo climbing routes.
The Olympiad, a 12-metre overhanging line above the Celtic Sea at Skrinkle Haven in Pembrokeshire, was first climbed in 2012 by Neil Gresham and is graded 8b (5.13d).
It has only been completed by a handful of climbers.
Ms Coxsey, who was born in Sheffield, is a Red Bull athlete.
She completed the climb on only her second attempt, making it the fastest ascent of the route to date.
She said: "Olympiad is one of the most captivating climbs I’ve ever seen.
"I wanted to climb it from the moment I first saw it, but I was braced for a battle.
"The moves are hard, and it’s a lot longer than I’m used to, plus the logistics are crazy.
"Trying the route above water was wild.
"With the tide, temps, wind and humidity, it feels almost impossible to get perfect conditions."
Despite expecting a lengthy struggle, Ms Coxsey completed the line on her second try.
She said: "Sending this route on my second try from the start was not at all what I expected, and I still can’t quite believe it.
"It was an experience that will stay with me forever and one of my favourite climbing moments to date.
"I am also still very shocked that I decided to jump off the top after sending.
"I can’t wait to share the film with everyone."
Mr Gresham praised her achievement.
He said: "Shauna Coxsey never ceases to amaze me.
"Everyone knows of her competition successes, yet she seems to be able to switch to other climbing styles at the drop of a hat.
"Olympiad was Shauna’s first DWS, yet it’s Britain’s hardest; no other woman had attempted it before, and she did it quickly."
As a Red Bull athlete, Ms Coxsey has continued to expand her climbing career beyond competitions, focusing on outdoor bouldering and exploring new disciplines.
In 2025, she completed a big-wall first ascent in Nigeria.
She now plans to return to her long-term project, Giuliano Cameroni’s Hazel Grace Sit (8C/V15), in Switzerland’s Gotthard Pass.
Shauna Coxsey’s ascent marks the sixth successful completion of The Olympiad.
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