Harpreet Chandi makes history with solo trip to South Pole in 40 days

British born Sikh woman Harpreet Chandi, a 32-year-old Indian-origin British Sikh Army officer and physiotherapist also known as Polar Preet, has created history by becoming the first woman of colour to complete a solo unsupported trek to the South Pole. Chandi announced her history-making feat on her live blog on Monday at the end of Day 40 after travelling 700 miles (1,127 kilometres) while pulling a pulk or sledge with all of her kit and battling temperatures of minus 50 degrees Celsius and wind speeds of around 60mph.  “I made it to the South Pole where it's snowing. Feeling so many emotions right now. I knew nothing about the polar world three years ago and it feels so surreal to finally be here. It was tough getting here and I want to thank everybody for their support,” she wrote.

Harpreet, also known as Preet, is the clinical training officer of the British Army and is also entrusted with the duty of organising and validating training for medics in the Army. Preet completed the solo expedition after covering over 1120 Km to the South Pole. She kept her followers updated with audio blogs throughout her journey. “This expedition was always about so much more than me. I want to encourage people to push their boundaries and to believe in themselves, and I want you to be able to do it without being labelled a rebel. I have been told no on many occasions and told to ‘just do the normal thing', but we create our own normal," Chandi said.