Ga-eun Kwon, a 12-year-old climber from South Korea, has made headlines by climbing Era Vella (9a/5.14d) in Margalef, Spain — becoming one of the youngest ever to repeat Chris Sharma’s iconic route. Her ascent marks a milestone in youth climbing progression and adds her name to the short list of prodigies pushing into elite grades at such a young age. Era Vella was first climbed by Chris Sharma in 2010 and quickly became one of Margalef’s most famous testpieces. Ga-eun traveled to Margalef with her father for a three-week trip, during which she worked the route over several days. She described solving the moves step by step, celebrating with her father once she realized she could link them together. After six total attempts spread across three days, she clipped the chains, achieving her first-ever 9a. At just 12 years old, Ga-eun joins a select group of climbers who have reached 9a/5.14d before their teenage years. For comparison: Adam Ondra first climbed 9a at age 13. Théo Blass and Gianluca Vighetti both sent 9a at age 12. Leo Cea climbed 9a at age 11. Ga-eun is now the second youngest female climber to repeat Sharma’s Era Vella, underscoring the rapid progression of youth athletes in sport climbing.