9 July 2025
Veronica Chik, 9, sets new standard sending Fish Eye (8c) - Updated!
Veronica Chik, who sent an 8b+ last October, has completed Fish eye (8c) in Oliana, becoming the youngest climber to have reached 8c. The 9-year-old needed two weeks for the send and now the plan is to go to Red River Gorge.
โThe route was quite challenging for me, especially since it was 50 meters long. I had never climbed anything longer than 31 meters, so my endurance was definitely a concern, particularly as a 9-year-old girl. The rope felt heavy as I climbed higher, adding to the difficulty. Fortunately, my climbing coaches [David Gambus and Toni Arbones] did an excellent job preparing me both physically and mentally. I felt calm and confident throughout the climb. I took breaks along the way to recover, and ultimately, I succeeded in sending the route!โ
Her mother Vivian reports. โThis time, Daddy flew from Hong Kong to Spain with Veronica. After reuniting with her coaches, they spent a week searching the rugged mountains for suitable climbing routes. The area was remote and sparsely populated, presenting countless challenges that tempted them to give up time and again. However, for the sake of his daughter's dreams, Dad remained unyielding and resolute.
The climbing process was incredibly arduous. They faced the scorching heat, carrying all their gear as they trekked over mountains to reach the climbing routes. On one occasion, Dad accidentally rolled down a slope and sustained an injury; to this day, his shoulder still aches. Yet he gritted his teeth, refusing to back down and steadfastly supporting Veronicaโs climbing goals. Through his actions, he showed her that no matter the obstacles, he would wholeheartedly accompany her in pursuit of her dreams.
In each climbing endeavor, Veronica not only challenged the peaks but also transcended her own limits, while Dad's presence lingered like a shadow, infusing her with boundless strength. For him, each of his daughter's successes was his greatest pride and joy, and his unwavering support would forever be an indelible source of motivation for her, urging her to courageously chase her dreams.โ
โThe route was quite challenging for me, especially since it was 50 meters long. I had never climbed anything longer than 31 meters, so my endurance was definitely a concern, particularly as a 9-year-old girl. The rope felt heavy as I climbed higher, adding to the difficulty. Fortunately, my climbing coaches [David Gambus and Toni Arbones] did an excellent job preparing me both physically and mentally. I felt calm and confident throughout the climb. I took breaks along the way to recover, and ultimately, I succeeded in sending the route!โ
Her mother Vivian reports. โThis time, Daddy flew from Hong Kong to Spain with Veronica. After reuniting with her coaches, they spent a week searching the rugged mountains for suitable climbing routes. The area was remote and sparsely populated, presenting countless challenges that tempted them to give up time and again. However, for the sake of his daughter's dreams, Dad remained unyielding and resolute.
The climbing process was incredibly arduous. They faced the scorching heat, carrying all their gear as they trekked over mountains to reach the climbing routes. On one occasion, Dad accidentally rolled down a slope and sustained an injury; to this day, his shoulder still aches. Yet he gritted his teeth, refusing to back down and steadfastly supporting Veronicaโs climbing goals. Through his actions, he showed her that no matter the obstacles, he would wholeheartedly accompany her in pursuit of her dreams.
In each climbing endeavor, Veronica not only challenged the peaks but also transcended her own limits, while Dad's presence lingered like a shadow, infusing her with boundless strength. For him, each of his daughter's successes was his greatest pride and joy, and his unwavering support would forever be an indelible source of motivation for her, urging her to courageously chase her dreams.โ
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