A British Army officer has broken the world record for the longest solo, unsupported, and unassisted polar ski expedition in Antarctica. Captain Preet Chandi, known as 'Polar Preet', covered 922 miles (1,484 km) in 70 days and 16 hours, battling temperatures as low as -30°C and wind speeds of up to 60 mph.
The 33-year-old from Derby surpassed the previous record of 907 miles set in 2015 by retired Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley, who later died from exhaustion towards the end of his trek. Capt Chandi, who is also a physiotherapist, pulled a sledge weighing around 19 stone (120 kg) and skied for 13 to 15 hours daily with as little as five hours' sleep.
Although she aimed to cross Antarctica coast to coast, severe conditions forced her to stop about 100 miles short of her target. She said: 'Mentally, it was tough knowing I didn’t have enough time to make the crossing, but the expedition was about pushing my boundaries and inspiring others to do the same.'
Capt Chandi completed the challenge on leave from her Army role. She previously became the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition across Antarctica and reach the South Pole in 2021. Her achievement has raised over £11,000 via GoFundMe, half of which will fund an adventure grant for women.
Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith praised her: 'The British Army is immensely proud of Capt Chandi. To achieve what she has in the face of extremely arduous conditions is a huge inspiration.'
