Preet Chandi: Polar trekker in ‘insanely hard’ record challenge

The record-breaking adventurer admits the expedition will be “a lot more challenging” than some of her previous polar records.

“On Antarctica I could be on land when I’m skiing,” she said. “This is sea ice, so it is moving. I could ski one day and then the sea could drift me back to where I started.

“I still think there’s still beauty in trying to do something that might not be possible.”

The physiotherapist became the first Asian woman to complete a solo expedition to the South Pole in January 2022, after travelling 700 miles (1,126km) in 40 days.

A year later she covered 922 miles (1,485km) in 70 days and 16 hours, breaking the record for the longest solo, unsupported, one-way polar ski expedition.

She also set the female speed record from the Hercules Inlet on the Ronne Ice Shelf to the South Pole on her third expedition, covering 700 miles over 31 days, 13 hours and 19 minutes between 26 November and 28 December 2023.

Ms Chandi said she was relishing the idea of being pushed out of her comfort zone and finding ways to inspire others to also chase their dreams.

“I still enjoy pushing my own boundaries,” she added. “Every time I do trips like this, it is all just so much bigger than me.”