Preet Chandi MBE, widely known as ‘Polar Preet’, is embarking on an extraordinary 500-mile expedition to the North Pole, aiming to become the first woman to achieve this feat solo and unsupported. As she sets out on this daring journey, Chandi hopes to inspire women and girls globally to break barriers and embrace their potential. The expedition coincides with International Women’s Day, making her mission not just a personal challenge, but a beacon of empowerment.
Setting Off for the North
The 37-year-old explorer from Derby plans to undertake this grueling trek over the next 60 days, pulling a sledge laden with 130kg of equipment across one of Earth’s harshest terrains. Having already made history as the first woman of colour to reach the South Pole solo and unsupported in 2021, Chandi’s ambitions have climbed even higher.
With temperatures expected to plummet to a bone-chilling -50°C and the ever-present threat of polar bears, she is well aware of the dangers that lie ahead. Chandi expressed her eagerness to push her limits, stating, “I enjoy pushing my own boundaries but also believe these trips are bigger than me – I want to inspire people and help them push theirs.”
Facing the Elements
Chandi’s journey will commence from Resolute Bay in Nunavut, Canada, where she is set to navigate treacherous, shifting sea ice and treacherous open water—an element of her expedition that fills her with apprehension. Unlike her previous foray into Antarctica, where she benefited from 24 hours of daylight and logistical support, this venture will test her mettle in unprecedented ways.
No one has attempted a solo expedition to the North Pole in over a decade, and Chandi acknowledges the enormity of her undertaking. “Everything I’ve earned and every bit of money is being put into this,” she declared. “It’s so hard and challenging; I’ve taken such a risk here.”
A Commander with a Vision
A captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Chandi has amassed a wealth of experience through deployments in diverse locations including Nepal and South Sudan. Her journey into extreme exploration began with half-marathons, eventually leading her to ultra-marathons and, ultimately, her solo Antarctic expedition.
Reflecting on her first solo adventure, she noted, “I was looking for something, the next challenge. When someone mentioned Antarctica, that became the appeal.” This drive has since propelled her to set multiple endurance records, including the fastest solo, unsupported female ski journey to the South Pole and the longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey.
Inspiring Future Generations
Chandi’s expedition is as much about personal achievement as it is about representation. “When I got back from the South Pole for the first time, I saw little girls dressing up like me for World Book Day,” she recalled. “Whether they want to be an explorer or not, the fact they can see themselves in me, I absolutely love that.”
With her sights firmly set on the North Pole, she aims to take the world along with her on this journey, emphasising the significance of broader representation in adventure and exploration.
Why it Matters
Preet Chandi’s audacious undertaking encapsulates a powerful message: that women, regardless of their backgrounds, can achieve the extraordinary. As she battles the unforgiving elements of the Arctic, her story serves as a rallying cry for girls and women everywhere, encouraging them to defy expectations. In a world where female representation in extreme sports remains limited, Chandi’s journey is not just a personal quest; it is a movement towards equality and empowerment, showcasing the boundless possibilities that await when one dares to dream.
