Earlier this year, a friend of mine, Tahar Manaï achieved something no other Tunisian has ever done. At 27 years of age, on May 15, 2016, Tahar became the first ever Tunisian to summit Mount Everest. A feat worthy of recognition and praise.
Tahar began his journey years ago, and in 2015 was on Everest when the worst earthquake to hit Nepal in 81 years dramatically made its presence felt. We've all seen the dramatic footage, the pictures. Climbing season was abruptly ended and those who dreamed of reaching the top of the world were quickly dashed. Tahar was one of the lucky ones to escape unharmed. With the power of his country behind him, Tahar was aiming to become to first ever Tunisian to reach the top of the world.
I'm in the middle, Tahar is on the right.
With his Everest hopes dashed by tragedy, Tahar turned his attention to Mount Elbrus. I first met Tahar in the city of Mineralnye Vody, Russia. His outgoing personality was evident from the start and we hit it off immediately, eventually becoming bunkmates for the duration of our trip. Two Canadians (myself and my travelling buddy) and a Tunisian. Lots of laughs. Lots of respect. He showed the utmost respect for Nepal and its country and you could tell that the events of the earthquake had a profound impact on him. I believe the experience humbled him and you could tell that he was anxious to return, not only to conquer the mountain but to pay his respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives.
Elbrus was my first real mountaineering adventure and if it wasn't for Tahar, I may not have made it. Two hundred meters from the summit, I dropped to my knees out of exhaustion. Our guide, recognizing that I had 3 severe symptoms of altitude sickness ordered me to turn around and return with one of the other guides. However, it was Tahar and his words of encouragement that dragged my ass back up. It was his words, his guidance and him knowing I would forever regret having gotten so close that enabled me to grind out the remaining 200 meters (2 hours for the record).
I've since remained in contact with Tahar since our Elbrus climb and was overjoyed to hear that his perseverance paid off and he was successful in his quest. Everything he did was for his country and to bring recognition to his compatriots. It truly was l'Ascension d'une Nation...the Ascent of a Nation.
Congratulations Tahar and much respect my friend. Looking forward to seeing you again and celebrating your accomplishment.
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