Adidas Outdoor added rock climber Michaela Kiersch, 22, to its athlete team.
In November of 2016, she became the first known female to send the Golden Ticket (5.14c) in Red River Gorge, KY. The route is considered to be one of the most difficult climbs at Red River Gorge. This was her third 5.14c grade ascent after climbing Lucifer at the Purgatory in October 2016, and Pure Imagination last spring, both at Red River Gorge.
“Michaela handles challenging climbs head-on,” said Greg Thomsen, Adidas Outdoor U.S. managing director. “She is a role model to female and youth athletes, balancing her climbing career, a full class schedule and working as a youth coach. She is extremely driven and dedicated, and has an aspiring level of focus for someone her age – values Adidas Outdoor embraces. We look forward to supporting her future goals and adventures, and watching her inspire others.”
In 2016 and 2012, Kiersch took third place in the USA Climbing Sport & Speed Open Nationals. In 2013 and 2011, she took second in the female junior USA Climbing Bouldering Youth National Championship and second in the 2013 female junior USA Climbing Sport & Speed Youth National Championships. Last year, she competed on season eight of “American Ninja Warrior” as a first-timer in Las Vegas.
A Chicago native, Kiersch started rock climbing when she was seven. She is currently a full-time senior studying bioscience at DePaul University in Chicago and plans on attending graduate school studying occupational therapy. Additionally, she coaches First Ascent, a competitive youth rock climbing team.
Photo courtesy Adidas Outdoor
