Published Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Jaimie Donovan, pictured at the North Pole on Easter Sunday. (© Mike King/PA)
Galway man Richard Donovan flew young Jaimie out to the Arctic to mark the 10th anniversary of a marathon he organises there, amid the ice and snow and even polar bears.
By 5.30am on Easter Sunday, the little girl and her teddy bear were stood at the geographic North Pole.
Born on 17 October 2003 and aged eight-years-and-172-days, Jaimie seems to be just one day younger than the previous record-holder - British adventurer David Hempleman-Adams' daughter Alicia, who staked her claim in 1998.
It was cold and the helicopter was noisy ... I loved the North Pole and I want to go back.
Jaimie Donovan
Richard Donovan, who earlier this year set a new record of his own for completing seven marathons on seven continents in less than five days, said his daughter took the experience in her stride.
"They (Jaimie and her mum Caroline) were long overdue a trip to see what I've been working hard to achieve for the last decade," he said.
"It was a simple coincidence that she seems to be the youngest to stand up there.
"I was just proud of her very good behaviour and the fact she took the trip in her stride at her age, embracing the adventure."
The Donovans will now have to apply to Guinness World Records to have the achievement officially verified.