British Army Officer Aims to Be First Woman on Solo North Pole Trek
Preet Chandi, a 37-year-old former British Army officer from Derby, England, is setting her sights on a groundbreaking achievement: becoming the first woman to complete a solo and unsupported expedition to the North Pole. Known affectionately as Polar Preet, she has already made history by reaching the South Pole alone in 2022, a feat that earned her four Guinness World Records and the distinction of being the first woman of colour to accomplish such a journey.
From Marathons to Polar Exploration
Chandi's path to polar exploration began unexpectedly. "I didn't know anything about adventure or exploration," she recalled during a phone interview from Winnipeg. Her journey started with running half-marathons, then full marathons, and eventually ultra-marathons. In 2019, a casual suggestion about Antarctica sparked her interest, leading her to Google the idea and ultimately embark on her South Pole expedition. "I remember thinking, 'What else can I do?'" she said, highlighting her relentless drive.
The North Pole Challenge: A Daunting Undertaking
After her South Pole success, Chandi turned her attention to the North Pole, quickly realizing it presents even greater difficulties. "I learned that the North Pole is in the middle of the sea and it's much harder," she explained. Her upcoming trek will span approximately 500 miles (800 kilometres) from Ellesmere Island in Canada, taking an estimated 60 to 70 days. She acknowledges the immense physical and mental toll, noting she typically loses about 40 pounds during such expeditions and requires 5,000 calories daily to sustain her energy.
The journey is fraught with risks, including:
- Open water sections: Chandi will wear an immersion suit to swim across gaps, pulling her supplies behind her.
- Polar bear encounters: She carries a firearm, flares, and a polar bear alarm for protection, having already faced a bear during training in Resolute Bay.
- Extreme isolation: Traveling completely alone, she emphasizes the spiritual and mental challenges of solitude. "I spend a lot of time in my own head, and that's not the easiest thing to do," she admitted.
Logistics and Support for the Expedition
Chandi is currently fundraising for her trip, with a goal of $200,000, and recently made stops in Toronto and other Canadian cities to garner support. Her husband, a fellow British Army veteran, will serve as her base camp manager in Resolute Bay. She transports her supplies on two sleds weighing a total of 130 kilograms, which contain:
- Freeze-dried foods, nuts, raisins, and chocolate for nutrition.
- A tent equipped with safety gear for overnight stays.
- Skis or snowshoes for traversing the icy terrain.
Chandi hopes to inspire others through her journey, sharing daily voice mail updates on her website, polarpreet.com. "I just want to bring as many people on this journey as I can," she said, reflecting on her mission to demonstrate that women belong in all spaces of adventure and exploration.
