‘Why are you sitting?’: 3-year-old tackles Grouse Grind for second time

The Grouse Grind is not a hike to be underestimated. But for young Valluvan Wesley, the 2.5-kilometre climb up approximately 800 metres of elevation was just walk in the park.

On Thursday, the three-year-old tackled the famously challenging trail once again.

When Valluvan’s parents took him to the Grouse Grind for the first time, they intended to stop and turn back at the quarter mark. But Valluvan, dead-set on conquering the peak, had other ideas.

“By the time he was at the half mark, he didn’t want to sit at all,” explained his mother, Subha Kannan.

“But we made him sit to have some bars to get some energy, and we asked him a couple of times, ‘Are you okay? How are you feeling?’ And he’s like, ‘Yeah, all good. Why are you sitting?’”

Video from the first trip shows Valluvan insisting he wants to “go up,” despite warnings of how hard it will be.

The little grinder reached the top in just over two hours, ready to go again.

Vinu Wesley, Valluvan’s dad, wonders how his son got all his energy.

“Definitely not me — probably from his mom,” said Vinu.

Both Valluvan’s parents say that their son naturally gravitated towards the outdoors ever since he was born.

Hikers trailing behind found his infectious smile and perseverance hard to miss.

“They told him, ‘You lead us and let us follow you.’ And this has been inspirational, if you can do it, it surely motivates us to do it,” said Vinu.

“I feel like he’s very much strong in that. Very persistent in what he wants to do. This is something, at this age, I never felt that — probably, I underestimated him,” said Subha.

Valluvan continues beating the odds, honing his grit with every step.

The three-year-old proudly announced his ambitions to beat his own record — even if a little confused about the progression of time.

When asked if he’ll do the Grind again soon, Valluvan answered, “Yeah. In August and Oct– July.”