Antarctica Ski World Record Attempt Abandoned
10th January 2023
The British polar endurance athlete Wendy Searle has been forced to end her challenge to become the fastest woman to ski solo and unsupported from the Antarctic coast to the Geographic South Pole. NEW
The 45-year-old would have had to do the trek of more than 700 miles across the coldest, windiest and most hazardous terrain in the world in less than 38 days.
For the first 14 days she was on track to beat the record.
However, a combination of factors, including illness and the weather, made the record unlikely and she pulled out.
She said she it was a difficult decision and she was devastated to have to end it but intended to try again.
Searle is Expedition Manager at Shackleton, the luxury clothing and expedition brand that has been supporting her exploits.
“As well as intense preparation and planning, you need the lucky stars to align to achieve a speed record in Antarctica,” said Shackleton’s Director of Expeditions, Louis Rudd as the attempt was called off.
“Multiple factors have conspired against Wendy, most significantly the worst conditions in a decade and a chest infection that won’t clear despite antibiotics.”
Wendy Searle. Image c/o Shackleton
Searle had completed more than 320km before being picked up to be taken to Union Glacier, Antarctica to recover.
Shackleton co-founders Martin Brooks and Ian Holdcroft said: “We are all immensely proud of what Wendy has achieved and are highly respectful of her decision. Having already become the seventh woman in history to ski solo to the pole in 2020, Wendy knows better than anyone what it takes to break the record – and if circumstances don’t permit it, this is the safe and sensible decision.
“We have no doubt that she will channel her understandable disappointment in a positive way and come back stronger than ever in her next endeavour.”
And proving herself to be a true adventurer, Searle has now recovered from the chest infection and has gone on to summit Antarctica’s highest peak, Mt Vinson.
A message posted on the expedition website says she ascended the peak on 3rd January.
“Turning around her Antarctic season with fierce determination, Wendy has proven that she is a true adventurer in the mould of Sir Ernest Shackleton himself.
“Her achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication that it takes to succeed in the face of adversity.
“Wendy’s ascent to the top of Mount Vinson is an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the limitless potential of the human spirit.
“Huge congratulations to Wendy for an incredible achievement.”
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