74-year-old Indian summits Mt. Elbrus

A 74-year-old man from Wayanad, Kerala, has achieved a remarkable feat by climbing Mt. Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. T.J. Marce, along with a five-member team from Kerala, successfully summited the 5,642-meter peak on August 15, 2026, which marked India's 80th Independence Day.

The team, consisting of T.J. Marce, S. Seshadri, M.P. Muraleedharan, G.J. Aghina Soorya, and P. Athif, took eight days to complete the expedition, braving extreme weather conditions, including cold winds reaching about 65 km/h during the ascent.

T.J. Marce is believed to be the oldest Indian to summit Mt. Elbrus, achieving this feat at the age of 74 years, six months, and 26 days. This is not his first notable achievement, as he had previously climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, with M.P. Muraleedharan in September 2025.

The team's experience and determination played a significant role in their success. M.P. Muraleedharan, 66, and P. Athif, who had summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2019, were also part of the team. With the Elbrus ascent, T.J. Marce, M.P. Muraleedharan, and P. Athif have now completed two of the Seven Summits, the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.

## Why it matters The achievement of T.J. Marce and his team is a testament to the human spirit and the ability to push beyond one's limits, regardless of age. It highlights the importance of perseverance, determination, and experience in overcoming challenges, especially in high-altitude pursuits. As T.J. Marce's feat inspires others, it also showcases the potential for individuals to achieve great things in their later years, redefining the concept of ageing and retirement.

The successful expedition to Mt. Elbrus is a significant milestone for the team and a proud moment for India, marking a new achievement in the country's mountaineering history. As the team celebrates their victory, they also pave the way for future generations of mountaineers to explore and conquer the world's highest peaks.