10-07-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Watch: Hong Kong climbing phenomenon Veronica Chik, 9, sets world record
Nine-year-old Hong Kong climbing phenomenon Veronica Chik has chalked up another notable record after conquering a sheer 50-metre route in Spain.
Chik, who began climbing outdoors only last year to overcome a fear of heights, was already the youngest Hongkonger to navigate the 31-metre 'China Climb', in Yangshuo, and the youngest in China to successfully tackle the 50-metre outdoor 'rock of life' bouldering route in Jinshan.
Now she is on top of the world, after becoming the youngest on the planet to complete a high-difficulty 5.14b (8c) route, suitable for experienced and skilled climbers.
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Chik achieved the feat on the technical Fish Eye route in the hills of Oliana, a popular climbing region in Catalonia.
Sport climbing was introduced into the Olympics for the Tokyo Games in 2021. Chik, though, will have to wait until Brisbane 2032, at least, if she is to target success on that front, because of a ban on Olympic competitors younger than 16.
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