Fred Nicole Sends The Escapist (V14)
Novato Marín is the oldest climber to send 5.14a at 61 years old. In this video, Novato shares his story: climbing as a lifelong journey.
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Fred Nicole, 44, has sent The Escapist (8b/+/V14) in Rocklands, South Africa, first sent by Nalle Hukkataival in 2012.
Nicole posted a photo of the problem to his Instagram, describing The Escapist as “a very nice line…with sharp, small crimps (at least for my fat fingers).” The problem had been previously repeated by Daniel Woods, Jimmy Webb and Alex Megos.
The Swissman was the first person to send 8b/V13 in 1992, and the first 8b+/V14 in 1996. In 2000, he made the first ascent of Dreamtime, then considered the world’s first 8c/V15 (it has since been downgraded due to chipped holds).
He is also a powerful figure in sport climbing history, sending Le toit d’Auguste