Croatian Climbs Triglav Barefoot for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Igor Šehić, a 44-year-old personal trainer from Zagreb, undertook an extraordinary barefoot climb of Mount Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak, to support children with cerebral palsy. The challenging ascent, reaching 2864 meters, was part of a humanitarian campaign titled "Steps That Move Mountains."

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I am my own most important project, showing by my own example that seemingly impossible things are possible.

Šehić's personal mission aimed to draw attention to the needs of children and young people with cerebral palsy and to raise funds for the CeDePe Zagreb Association. The campaign seeks to equip a sensory integration room, purchase educational and sensory equipment, and improve the quality of professional work with the association's beneficiaries. Donations can be made to IBAN HR8724020063104615673.

Describing himself as a "human performance coach" with 20 years of experience working with elite athletes and business professionals, Šehić also holds degrees in post-production and has certifications in physiotherapy, functional training, and mental training. He previously worked at a high-performance center in Leogang, Austria, with various elite athletes.

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Steps That Move Mountains

Šehić chose the notoriously difficult Tomazin route on Triglav's North Face, a path typically reserved for seasoned alpinists, even when using hiking boots. He explained his motivation: "I am my own most important project, showing by my own example that seemingly impossible things are possible." He endured significant pain to symbolize the struggles faced by those with cerebral palsy and to amplify the call for awareness and support.

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The path I took is Tomazin's route, which is actually the North Face, something rarely climbed even in hiking boots. That path is for top alpinists, and I chose the hardest one.

The idea for the climb originated three months prior to the event, despite initial reactions of disbelief and concern from others who deemed it extreme. Šehić felt compelled to pursue the idea, recognizing his capacity to achieve it within the given timeframe through a highly specific training process. He considers the professionals working with children with cerebral palsy, some for over 30 years, to be the true heroes.

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The goal was for people to think 'this guy did something unimaginable, he must have gone through incredible pain,' and with that, there will be a greater level of awareness of that need.