11 years is a pretty significant jump. More than that, it's bringing it from 30 to 19. Having an international pilot rating takes some time and effort; Being able to do this at 19 is pretty impressive in its own right.

In terms of being a role-model for other women, showing that this can be done at 19 might be perpetually inspiring to the younger generation that otherwise sees 30 as pretty far away.

I think the question might more be the potential mischaracterisation of the world record being 18 and the female record being 19 as a "gender gap".

It would be instructive to understand what happened that would warrant that use of language.

It's fascinating how much the ageing West is fascinated by feats accomplished by as young as possible people.

This is not a western exclusive. See Russia’s strongest little boy for an example.