appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Paul McNamara

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.

She was also 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.
Chik achieved the feat on Tuesday, on the technical Fish Eye route in the hills of Oliana, a popular climbing region in Catalonia.












View this post on Instagram























A post shared by 鉦溵Veronica (@veronica.aimee.chik)



She went to Spain with her father, Alan, specifically to target the record. The previous youngest to achieve it was a 10-year-old.
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.


Singaporean climber dies on Nepal’s Mount Manaslu, first foreign casualty of season

For Phurba Tenjing Sherpa, climbing Everest now a way to help others ‘fulfil their dreams’

Celebrated Everest guide Phurba Tenjing Sherpa fears way of life under threat

Body of noted Nepali climber recovered after Pakistan avalanche kills 10

Climbing and mountaineering

Watch: Hong Kong climbing phenomenon Veronica Chik, 9, sets world record

Hongkonger Veronica Chik takes on her record-breaking climb in Spain. Photo: Handout

Veronica Chik savours her achievement in Oliana. Photo: Handout

After Everest and Great Wall, marathon-loving Hongkonger tackles North Pole

David Dudek took on the Everest Marathon in 2024 and will finally tackle the sub-zero North Pole Marathon. Photo: Handout

American-born David Dudek at the Antarctica 100km race. Photo: Handout

David Dudek (third from left) takes on the Inner Mongolia Marathon. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong domestic helper’s new passion for swimming helps her ‘forget’ cancer diagnosis

Cocoy Sabareza after finishing the Hong Kong Four Beaches Challenge. Photo: Cocoy Sabareza

Cocoy Sabareza after coming first in her age group at the Shek O Challenge last November. Photo: Cocoy Sabareza

Cocoy Sabareza after swimming to an island off Repulse Bay. Photo: Cocoy Sabareza

Sport

Hong Kong

Youngster adds to growing collection of achievements with her climb on formidable Spanish route


Youngster adds to growing collection of achievements with her climb on formidable Spanish route.


Watch: Hong Kong climbing phenomenon Veronica Chik, 9, sets world record

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Youngster adds to growing collection of achievements with her climb on formidable Spanish route

Youngster adds to growing collection of achievements with her climb on formidable Spanish route