Climbing · Worth knowing

Tom O'Halloran, Oceania's Olympic representative, has completed the first ascent of Cheesecake 9a in Nowra, a 10-meter route with 19 moves that took him 5-6 sessions. The route has potential extensions that could create Australia's first 9b+ when fully developed. O'Halloran is preparing for the Tokyo Olympics with domestic competitions scheduled before departure, training 2-3 sessions daily with speed work twice weekly, though he receives minimal financial support and relies on crowdfunding and sponsorships to sustain his climbing career.

IMG guide Tyler Nachand led a team on an 8-day circumnavigation of the Cordillera Huayhuash in northern Peru, completing the challenging trek in August 2026. The expedition crossed eight high passes over 15,000 feet, including Caccananpunta Pass (15,400'), Carhuac Pass (15,252'), Siula Pass (15,740'), Trapecio Pass (16,400'), and San Antonio Pass (16,400'), with some team members summiting Diablo Mundo Peak (17,548'). The team finished the trek in Llamac after experiencing rugged mountain terrain and daily acclimatization hikes before starting, successfully accomplishing the bucket-list trek known as one of the toughest high-altitude hiking routes. IMG's 2026 Denali climbing season ended with all six climbing teams successfully summiting Mount Denali/McKinley. Teams 5 and 6 reached the summit on June 19, 2026, with favorable weather conditions and climbers demonstrating courage and resilience throughout the season.