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The youngest Australian to summit Mount Everest got a financial boost to reach the peak from her local real estate agency.
Belle Property Brighton, in Melbourne’s south-east, learned of Gabby Kanizay’s ambition to summit the 8,849-metre mountain after helping her family with a property transaction.
The 19-year-old had been planning to make the trek for many years, having decided to attempt the feat at age 14, and at that time was working to overcome the hurdle of the considerable cost.
“When we discovered the cost of summiting could reach upwards of $50,000, we decided to support Gabby’s climbing ambitions with a financial contribution,” said agency director Sam Inan.
Mr Inan places great importance in supporting local community endeavours, and his business has been a contributor to the local surf lifesaving club for many years. In this instance, they joined with outdoor clothing company Mountain Designs as a summit partner in Ms Kanizay’s plans.
Following the intrepid young mountaineer’s progress opened the team’s eyes to all that was involved in accomplishing the mammoth undertaking.
“We’ve learnt so much about what it takes to climb the world’s largest mountain through partnering with Gabby, especially the massive amounts of preparation required, such as the rigorous high-altitude training to help cope with lower oxygen levels,” Mr Inan explained.
“Summiting isn’t a straightforward or quick process. In the few weeks leading up to it, Gabby climbed to the various camps on Everest and then back down again several times in an effort to acclimatise before the final climb.”
The hard work paid off, as Ms Kanizay and her mother reached the top of Everest on 14 May. But only a day later, she was on to another challenge. The teenager one day plans to summit all of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 metres, so she took advantage of the proximity of adjacent peak Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest at 8,516 metres, reaching its summit on 15 May.
Having already climbed Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest peak at 8,201 metres, she has now conquered three of the 8,000-plus peaks.
“We are so honoured and excited to have played a role in helping Gabby become the youngest Aussie to climb Everest, and we can’t wait to see what she does next. She is an inspiration to believe in yourself and your abilities, no matter your age or how ambitious your goal,” Mr Inan said.
No stranger to ambition himself, Mr Inan recently notched the achievement of expanding his footprint alongside partner John Manning, as the duo grew their existing St Kilda operation into the neighbouring beachside suburb, becoming co-directors of Belle Property Brighton at the end of 2021.
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