Captain Hapreet Chandi, the British Indian Army officer popularly known as Polar Preet for her many record-breaking Polar expeditions, headed back to the Antarctic to claim yet another Guinness World Record.
Preet completed the solo unsupported 1,130 km expedition in just over 31 days and once verified by ‘Guinness World Records’, it could become Preet’s third world record after two previous record-breaking Polar expeditions.
She updated her blog on New Year’s Eve to reveal: “Sooooo… I did it again… just a little faster. I came back to Antarctica this year but without letting the world know in advance. and completed another solo unsupported expedition from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole but with a very specific goal.
“This trip was a bit different for me, I honestly didn’t know if I would be quick enough but thought I’ll do everything I can and let’s see.”
As part of her latest solo Antarctic expedition, Polar Preet set off from Hercules Inlet on the Ronne Ice Shelf on 26 November 2023 and arrived at the South Pole on 28 December 2023. On average, she was skiing around 12 to 13 hours a day, pulling a 75kg sled, which contained everything she needed to keep going on the tough terrain.
Aiming for a female speed record, she noted: “I completed the solo unsupported 1,130km expedition in 31 days, 13 hours and 19 minutes. I have applied for the GWR [Guinness World Record] and awaiting confirmation.
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“It does not belong to me alone. It belongs to everyone that helped me get here. It is ours. I’m sure I will not hold the record for long and will happily help the person who beats it.
“Antarctica is an incredible place to be and it’s always a privilege to be here. This is my third season in a row and I still feel as though I’m dipping my toe into an ocean… It is a place you treat with respect and hope it allows you safe passage. Thank you Antarctica for keeping me safe.”
In January 2023, she completed a trekking challenge to become the first Indian-origin woman to set the record of a solo unsupported trek to the South Pole, travelling 1,397 km across Antarctica in temperatures as cold as minus 50 degrees Celsius. However, she was disappointed that she did not have enough to meet her original aim of becoming the first woman to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported.
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“This year was tough after attempting and not completing a big trip in Jan 2023. It took me a while to recover and I didn’t think I would come back out again this season. And then that little thought came into my head,” she shares.
It won’t be long before the inspiring endurance athlete sets off on her next Polar mission.