London, October 15
Indian-origin British Sikh Army officer Preet Chandi, who made history by trekking to the South Pole, is now going for a record-breaking 1,100 miles trek across Antarctica — solo and unaided! Captain Chandi, also known as “Polar Preet”, became the first woman of colour in January this year to complete a solo and unsupported 700-mile trip to the South Pole in just 40 days, five days ahead of her finishing schedule.
The 33-year-old will pull all her kit and supplies on a sledge (pulk), weighing around 120kg (19 stone) at the start of her epic journey in November, while battling temperatures of -50c and wind speeds of up to 60mph.
I expect the journey to take approximately 75 days. Having done 700 miles to the South Pole, I know I can do 1,100 miles,” Chandi, a physiotherapist with the British Army, said.
Chandi, the British Army website reported, will make slower progress at the beginning because of the extra weight of her pulk, a type of sledge pulled by a person and used to carry equipment and supplies. Her pulk will include ice screws, an ice axe, crevasse equipment and crampons which are only needed for the last part.
