When she became the first woman of colour to complete a solo, unaided trip to the South Pole, Capt Preet Chandi wanted to prove “no matter where we are from, no matter what we look like, we can achieve anything we want”.
Now, “Polar Preet” has her sights set on a greater challenge – to become the first woman to complete a solo and unsupported journey across the entire continent of Antarctica.
Not content with trekking 700 miles in 40 days mere months ago, the 33-year-old is currently preparing for “phase two” of her trailblazing tour, which will involve travelling more than 1,000 miles in temperatures of up to minus 50C.
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Preet will navigate wind speeds of up to 60mph while pulling a sledge alongside her kit during the coast-to-coast journey, which is expected to take around 75 days.
In an Instagram post announcing the expedition, she said: “Why did I go to Antarctica in the first place and why am I going back?
“I wanted to show that no matter where we are from, no matter what we look like, we can achieve anything we want.
“I want to inspire others to push their boundaries and encourage them to believe in themselves. I want to break that glass ceiling!”
The army physiotherapist will be taking a period of leave at the end of the year as she attempts to once again etch her name into the record books.
In a blog entry detailing her preparation, Chandi confessed that she was “doing so many things now that I wouldn’t have thought I was capable of even five years ago… don’t limit yourself.”
Her training regime features cardio and strength training, as well as dragging tyres to replicate the weight of her sledge.
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