THE MENTOR BEHIND ZAGREB’S STRONGEST CLIMBERS

Marko Horvat has been climbing for over 30 years, but his biggest passion today is teaching.

Known as “Coach Marko” in the Zagreb climbing community, he spends most of his time guiding young climbers. His approach is calm, focused, and personal—he doesn’t push for grades, but for understanding. Marko believes in mastering technique before chasing difficulty. He often says, “A good climber knows the wall, not just the holds.” Under his mentorship, many athletes have gained not just skills, but confidence. He also organizes outdoor trips, where climbers learn how to respect nature and support each other. For Marko, climbing is not a competition—it’s a way of life. His own experience includes traditional climbing, big wall adventures, and coaching national youth teams. But today, what makes him most proud is seeing his students improve, grow, and fall in love with the sport. Many credit him with changing their lives. Marko’s impact goes far beyond routes and grades—it’s in the strength and community he helps build.