Father sheds tears of joy after his 6-year-old daughter nails skateboarding trick: 'She never gave up'

For parents, their children's achievements often feel like their own. When 6-year-old Chika Konoe of Irvine, California, landed a skateboard kickflip after months of practice, it was a moment so emotional that neither she nor her father could hold back tears.

A heartwarming clip on Instagram by @chikastagram_0425 recently captured widespread attention. In the video, little Chika is seen launching herself into the air while flipping her skateboard. Surprisingly, she managed to land both the board and herself right on time like a pro, and her happy parents shared in her celebration as she began jumping up and down with joy.

As the happy parents began clapping for their daughter, her father appeared in the frame, lifting Chika in his arms as emotions surged. At first, the 6-year-old started to cry while burying her head in her father's neck. However, immediately after, her father, Yuya Konoe, followed suit, and the father-daughter duo broke down in happy tears.

In an interview with GMA, Chika said, "When I land a trick like a kickflip, I was just so happy and excited to land it and then I just cried." Her father, Yuya, added, "She started crying and then I started crying as well. As a parent, I think personally it's very important to connect my soul and the souls of my kids. I know they were practicing for two months." 

Yuya praised his daughter for her determination and persistence in mastering the trick.

"Even on days when she couldn't run it all day, she never gave up. As a parent, we are incredibly proud that our children have found something they love. I've never skated. My wife never skated but my son Sojiro just started skateboarding in summer camp and they set their own goals and work together as siblings," he said.  

Chika revealed that she learned skateboarding from her older brother Sojiro, who was equally proud of his little sister. Sojiro said, "I think she was really compatible with skateboarding when she first started. She was smiling, having fun, and doing all those drops." He also acknowledged that, although she sometimes struggles with certain tricks, she gives her best effort and perseveres.

Chika already dreams of becoming a skateboarder when she grows up. She said, "When I grow up, I [also] want to be a dancer, artist, scientist, and ninja." The doting father had some words of wisdom for his kids: "I want them to keep in mind that it's not only about competition; they should also have fun with their time, friends, and family."

The internet gushed over the 6-year-old's skateboarding skills and left touching comments on Chika's Instagram profile. @heatherkjc wrote, "Being so proud of yourself that you have a flood of emotions like that is something we don't always get to experience." @allymiah11 added, "I love a daddy and daddy's little girl relationship." @kriszizzo lauded the parents, "You know they watched her try this for hours. Good work parents." @twirlinapoquette hailed, "LET'S GO CHIKAAAA!!!" 

(Follow chikastagram_0425 for more such heartwarming content.)