Former GB Para Skier Makes History with Solo Ski to the South Pole
7th January 2025
A former GB Para Nordic Ski team member has become the first person with a disability to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. NEW
Jonny Huntington, a stroke survivor, completed the 911km expedition in 45 days, 14 hours, 15 minutes.
The former British Army officer set off from Fuchs-Messner on the edge of the Antarctic landmass on 21st November and arrived at the South Pole on 6th January at around 5pm GMT.
At the South Pole. Image © Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions
“I’m exhausted but so proud to make it to the pole and complete an expedition that many thought impossible,” said Jonny from the South Pole.
“It has pushed me to my limits – both mentally and physically – but there was no way I was going to give up. I just needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
“It is incredible to think that I am the first disabled person in history to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole and it just proves that anything is possible with self-belief.
“I will never let my disability define me and I hope that, by reaching the finish line, it shows that no matter what life throws at you, with enough determination, everyone can fulfil their own potential.”
On average, Jonny was skiing for 11 hours a day and dragging all his equipment and food in a sled which weighed more than 90kg, with everything he needed to survive the expedition.
Antarctica expedition. Image © Jonny Huntington
He had to deal with temperatures as low as -40 C and blistering 24-hour sunlight.
Huge ice formations called sastrugi and soft snow made progress challenging.
This year has been particularly challenging for adventurers in Antarctica with other expeditions having to be aborted.
Antarctica expedition. Image © Jonny Huntington
“Antarctica is a remote, hostile and uninhabitable environment and some of the conditions were incredibly challenging,” Jonny said.
“There were days when I had to finish earlier than planned because of dangerous conditions or pure exhaustion and self-preservation for the longevity of the expedition, meaning the expedition took longer than I initially planned. I ended the expedition with just 24 hours of rations left.”
In 2014, aged 28, Jonny had a stroke, leaving his left side paralysed completely from the neck down.
After years of intensive rehabilitation, he lives with permanent brain damage resulting in a significant lack of strength, mobility and control down his left side.
“This was a massive undertaking for an able-bodied person,” Jonny said of the Antarctic expedition.
“Add my restricted movements due to neuro fatigue from the brain damage and it took the challenge to a whole new level.
“My disability means I have little control in my left ankle, meaning that my leg kind of freely rotates.
“I fell a lot over the course of my journey, especially at the start of the expedition while I was getting acclimatised to the conditions, but just had to get back up, dust myself off, and carry on.
“It was also exacerbated by the cold climate of Antarctica and proved a constant challenge with the uneven and sometimes unpredictable snow conditions.
“Despite the challenges I faced on the ice, my hope is that, by completing the expedition, I have shown that disability does not mean inability.”
Jonny Huntington on his history-making Antarctic expedition. Image © Jonny Huntington
Steve Jones of Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) said: “This is a milestone achievement for Jonny personally and for everyone living with disabilities.
“He has not just skied to the South Pole alone, but unsupported, without resupplies or outside assistance en route. This is a massive physical and mental challenge in which Jonny has thrived.”
Jonny was born in Cambridge, where he lived until he went to university, and subsequently joined the military.
He now lives in Kingsbridge, Devon.
Through his expedition, Jonny was raising money for four charities including the Invictus Games Foundation, Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team, Team Forces and The Adaptive Grand Slam Foundation. You can donate here.
To find out more about Jonny’s expedition, visit www.jonnyhuntington.com and see @jonnyhuntington on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Related Articles:
- Ex-Royal Marine Crosses Antarctica
- Kite Skiing Across Antarctica
- Visually Impaired Veteran Running for Ski Charity Arrives at John O’Groats
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