PALE MOUNTAINEER JUST 145 METERS FROM HIS DREAM

Igor Tošić, a member of the "Javorina" Mountaineering Club from Pale, recently attempted to conquer the iconic Alpine peak Matterhorn. Speaking to Srna, he shared how the experience changed his outlook on life, teaching him patience and humility.

PHOTO: Matterhorn

This year’s greatest challenge for Tošić was the Matterhorn, one of the most difficult Alpine summits, standing at an elevation of 4,478 meters. Together with two fellow climbers, he came within just 145 meters of the summit, but they were forced to make the difficult decision to turn back.

“Matterhorn taught me patience and humility,” Tošić said. “Up there, you realize you can’t control everything — not the weather, not the falling rocks, and not the moment when the mountain decides to let you closer to the top. I used to think the climb was about strength and technique, but I’ve come to understand that the greatest victory is returning alive and well.”

Tošić, who also serves as Vice President of the Mountaineering Association of Republika Srpska, described the Matterhorn as a fragile and unpredictable labyrinth — and a psychological test that made them not only better climbers but better people as well.

The "Javorina" Mountaineering Club from Pale is one of the most active clubs in Republika Srpska, with its members continually pushing limits and reaching peaks across Europe year after year.