Dubai: 9-year-old aims to conquer highest peak in South America after summiting Europe’s tallest mountain

Dubai: 9-year-old aims to conquer highest peak in South America after summiting Europe’s tallest mountain

Ayaan scaled Mount Kilimanjaro last August, braving 5,895 metres only one month after his 8th birthday

Published: Sat 12 Aug 2023, 6:00 AM

For nine-year-old Ayaan Mendon, it’s a combination of physical accomplishment, emotional growth, a connection to nature, and a touch of imagination that makes him feel like a superhero after every mountain he summits.

The young adventurer last month accomplished a remarkable feat by scaling Russia’s Mount Elbrus, which is Europe’s highest peak.

Ayaan’s passion for mountain climbing began at a very young age after his father casually decided to go to Jebel Jais in Ras-al-Khaimah with a friend.

That started his family’s mountaineering journey with Ayaan climbing Mount Kilimanjaro last August, braving 5,895 metres only one month after his 8th birthday.

This year in April, he climbed Mount Kosciuszko in Australia and conquered Russia’s Mount Elbrus in June, just a few weeks before he turned 9 years old.

Inner courage

“My mountaineering experiences have provided me with a unique opportunity to embrace my inner courage and have fostered a sense of wonder that closely resembles the feelings associated with some of my favourite fictional heroe," said the Grade 3 student at the North London Collegiate School, Dubai.

"I feel I’ve pushed myself to the next level