Preet Chandi, known as Polar Preet, is charting a course into history. The 37-year-old former British Army officer isn’t content with simply breaking barriers; she’s determined to shatter them, one icy step at a time.
Her journey began unexpectedly. Growing up in Derby, England, adventure wasn’t a calling, but a distant echo. A series of running challenges – half-marathons evolving into ultramarathons – sparked a question: what’s next? The answer, surprisingly, came from a simple Google search: Antarctica and the South Pole.
In 2022, Chandi became the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition to the South Pole, a feat she repeated twice more, earning four Guinness World Records. But the South Pole wasn’t the finish line; it was a launchpad. Now, she sets her sights on an even more daunting challenge: the North Pole.
The North Pole presents a unique and terrifying obstacle. Unlike the solid ground of Antarctica, it’s a shifting landscape of sea ice, demanding a perilous journey across open water. Chandi will face stretches where she must don an immersion suit and *swim* with her two heavily-laden sleds in tow.
Those sleds, collectively weighing over 130 kilograms, are her lifeline. They carry everything she needs to survive – freeze-dried food, high-calorie snacks, a specialized tent, a polar bear alarm, and the essential tools for navigating a frozen wilderness. She’ll need to consume 5,000 calories daily just to maintain her strength.
The threat of polar bears is ever-present. Chandi recalls a chilling encounter during training in Resolute Bay, forcing her to deploy flares to ward off a massive predator. It’s a stark reminder of the raw, unforgiving nature of the Arctic.
But the physical challenges are only half the battle. The true test lies in the solitude. For 60-70 days, she’ll be utterly alone, 500 miles from the nearest land, relying on her inner strength and resilience. She describes the experience as deeply spiritual, a journey into the depths of her own mind.
Chandi’s motivation extends beyond personal achievement. She wants to inspire others, to demonstrate that belonging isn’t about fitting in, but about boldly claiming your space. A playful rivalry with her two older brothers fueled her initial drive, but now, it’s about proving what’s possible – for herself, and for those who come after her.
Her husband, a fellow veteran, will serve as her base camp manager, providing crucial support from Resolute Bay. As she prepares to embark on this unprecedented journey, Chandi acknowledges the immense difficulty, the very real possibility of failure. Yet, she believes in the power of trying, of pushing boundaries, and of daring to dream the impossible.
She’ll be sharing daily updates through voice messages, offering a raw and intimate glimpse into her extraordinary expedition. It’s a journey not just to the North Pole, but into the very heart of human endurance.
