Matilda Söderlund sends her first 8B boulder, Armstrong assis at Nockeby in Sweden

Matilda Söderlund’s progression outdoors has been impressive over the last couple of months and after her first 9a sports climb last autumn, the Swede has now dialled her first 8B boulder problem, Armstrong assis at Nockeby close to Stockholm. In doing so the 27-year-old has become one of the few women capable of climbing both 8B boulder and 9a sport, and she adds her name to the short list which includes the likes of Josune Bereziartu (with an 8B traverse), Ashima Shiraishi, Angela Eiter and Barbara Zangerl.

Speaking to planetmountain.com , stated Söderlund "Before this season I had bouldered outside maybe 5 times only, although I do a lot of bouldering in my indoor training. I did my first 7C+ when I was in Fontainebleau in February, then my first 8A here in Stockholm in March and now 8A+ and 8B.  I was supposed to be in Switzerland for my first sport climbing project of the yea, but due to the situation I'm obviously still in Sweden. Fortunately we have been allowed to climb outside pretty much like normal (taking responsibility). I've never really bouldered outside and never explored the climbing around Stockholm so it felt like the natural thing to do to keep the motivation up. This 8B was my first bouldering project. I worked on it for about a month, I think 9 sessions in total. It's very crimpy, so I guess very much my style. Since January I've been working with Melissa Le Nevé as my coach and our overall goal has been to improve my power. I'ts been super cool and rewarding to see the progress and I'm so excited to see where this will take us in the future!"

Link: FB Matilda Söderlund, La Sportiva

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Armstrong assis, 8B Photos by @mans.gullgren

A post shared by MATILDA SÖDERLUND (@matilda_soderlund) on Apr 25, 2020 at 9:01am PDT