37-year-old Patxi Usobiaga is one of the world’s best sport climbers. 2017 is a breakthrough for him. He has just now returned to his shape from the years before the accident after which he decided to quit climbing and start coaching. This year in Oliana he led his most difficult route since 2007 – Patxitxulo, which is the combination of Joe Blau (8 c +) and Papichulo (9a +), which he defined as 9a/a+. Has also climbed Papichulo (9a +). Patxi has been doing so well that another difficult climbs are on the horizon that he will talk about in September.
Patxi Usobiaga Lakunza was born in 1980. This Spanish rock and sport climber led the routes of difficulties up to 9a +. In 2007, as the first person in the world, he onsighted the 8c+ route (Bizi Euskaraz). He also climbed routes (all 9a and harder) like: Novena Enmienda, La Rambla, Realization, Action Directe, Fabela pa la Enmienda, Esclatamaster, Mendeku, Ini Ameriketan. He was successful in climbing competitions, e.g. was the World Champion in 2009 and runner-up in 2003 and 2007, European Champion in 2008, World Cup winner (2006 and 2007) and Rock Master (2008).
Patxi-at that time the world’s best climber, had a car accident and due to the injury decided to end his climbing career in 2011. He focused on training other climbers.
However, in 2017, Patxi returns to the top of world sport climbing, again succeeding in the rocks.

(based on Wielka Encyklopedia Gór i Alpinizmu. T. VI Ludzie gór. pod red. M. i J. Kiełkowskich)