Czech climber Adam Ondra has made history by completing the first-ever flash ascent of the British trad climb Lexicon (E11 7a) at Pavey Ark in England’s Lake District.
Lexicon, first ascended by Neil Gresham in 2021, is considered one of the hardest trad routes in the world, combining 8b+ sport-climbing difficulty with serious fall potential—a 25-30 meter drop from the crux headwall. Ondra’s ascent marks the sixth overall and is widely regarded as the hardest trad flash of all time.
Unlike previous climbers who inspected the route beforehand, Ondra did not abseil down or feel the holds before his attempt. He studied available footage, particularly Gresham’s, and observed the route from a neighboring climb before making his bold, flawless ascent.
Ondra described the experience as “truly a special day”, acknowledging the responsibility of his belayer and the intensity of the climb. His achievement pushes the boundaries of trad climbing and sets a new standard for flash ascents in the sport.
