Evelina Sarkisyan’s Remarkable Feat
Nine-year-old Evelina Sarkisyan, accompanied by her parents, successfully summited all six two-thousand-meter peaks in the Ukrainian Carpathians. This impressive accomplishment is backed by GPS data, photos, and videos. The family tackled these mountains gradually, overcoming challenging weather conditions. Their first three ascents included Rebra, Brebeneskul, and Hutyn Tomnatyk.
Challenges Overcome and Highlights
The initial climb faced harsh weather, with rain and dense fog reducing visibility to just a few meters at the summits. Lana Vetrova, head of the National Registry of Records of Ukraine, commented:
"The first expedition was a true test of endurance. Despite the sudden storm in the mountains, the team decided to continue and managed to reach all three planned peaks."
One unique trait of Evelina is her ability to find renewed energy near the end of hikes. While adults grow tired, she often speeds up and surpasses everyone in the final kilometers. Lana Vetrova also shared that “often during the descent, when there’s still a long way back, Evelina wishes a helicopter would pick her up and take her home.”
Following her success in the Carpathians, Evelina aims to climb Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. Previously, 12-year-old Timur Prokhira became the youngest Ukrainian to summit all six two-thousanders in the Carpathians. Additionally, Hanna Yatsyna set a record as the youngest Ukrainian woman to reach Everest, celebrating her 25th birthday at the summit.
Evelina’s achievement stands as a significant milestone for young climbers in Ukraine, highlighting the growing potential of youth in this demanding sport. It also reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in mountaineering among children and teenagers, which could lead to enhanced support and infrastructure for young athletes nationwide.
Her accomplishment not only showcases her personal determination but also serves as inspiration for aspiring young mountaineers across Ukraine. Recognizing such feats emphasizes the importance of promoting an active lifestyle and the role sports play in youth development.