November 3, 2018 - December 26, 2018
This expedition is for anyone who has ever been told their dreams are impossible.
a historic world first
solo
Colin was alone for the entire 932-mile, 54-day journey. It was an individual pursuit. Prior to this, a solo, unsupported, fully human powered crossing of the landmass of Antarctica had never been completed.
Unsupported
Without the support of resupplies or food caches, Colin survived with only what he could carry in his sled. He did not receive any food, fuel or gear to replenish his diminishing supply.
human powered
This expedition was completely human powered. No outside assistance from power aids - machines, dogs, wind/kites etc - was used. Colin completed the crossing on foot/ski using muscle power alone.
On December 26, 2018
Colin O’Brady completed the first
solo, unsupported, completely human powered crossing of the landmass of Antarctica.
“From the sentimental point of view, it is the last great Polar journey that can be made, the most striking of all journeys.”
live tracking
The expedition was public for the entire 54-day crossing with in real-time tracking November 3 - December 26, 2018
featured press
The History
Harkening back to the turn of the 20th century, humans have been trying to cross the continent of Antarctica. Everest had been conquered, oceans had been sailed, rowed and even paddle boarded across solo - however, from the time Shackleton first set foot in Antarctica over 100 years ago, a solo, unsupported and human powered crossing of Antarctic still remained unfinished, leaving it one of the last remaining iconic “firsts” in modern exploration.
A Perilous Journey
In recent years, after the tragic passing of Henry Worsley and the attempt of Ben Saunders - two of the world’s most accomplished polar explorers - many have said a crossing of Antarctica is IMPOSSIBLE. Worsley and Saunders individually attempted via the historic Berkner Island starting point in reverence to Shackleton’s footsteps.
Historical Heroes
Other intrepid polar explorers have achieved solo Antarctica crossings with the assistance of kites or resupply. Notably, in ‘96-’97 Norwegian Børge Ousland managed the first solo crossing of Antarctica without resupply, but with the aid of parafoils (kites) from Berkner Island to McMurdo Station. In 2012 Felicity Aston completed a solo, human powered Leverett Glacier to Hercules Inlet crossing, becoming the first woman to cross Antarctica solo. She received two supply drops. Many other crossings have also been achieved.
“It’s straight-up impossible to take enough calories with you to get across the continent of Antarctica.”
Cold and Alone
Antarctic expeditions are not for the faint of heart. Antarctica is the southernmost continent and with that also the coldest, windiest and driest continent on the planet.
With this being a solo expedition, Colin’s well being was in his own hands. For 12 hours each day, he pulled a sled that started out weighing 375 lb. with all of his equipment and food, and battled high winds, whiteout conditions, and -40 degree temperatures.
Physical & Mental
Colin partnered with Standard Process to create a custom whole food nutrition solution - the “Colin Bar” - to optimize his diet for Antarctica’s harsh conditions. He consumed ~7000 calories per day though was burning ~10,000 calories per day, barely maintaining enough strength to complete the expedition. Beyond the physical stressors, he needed to remain mentally tough while isolated out on the ice.
The Route
Since a solo, unsupported and completely human powered crossing of Antarctica had never been completed, the route was open to be trail blazed. Colin completed the crossing from North to South. He was dropped off on the Ronne Ice Shelf, on the edge of the frozen Antarctic landmass, at the Messner starting point.
An Inspiration
The beginning of this route was inspired by Reinhold Messner’s 1989 epic Antarctic crossing to the South Pole, for whom the starting point is named. Colin has long admired Messner, a legendary Italian mountaineer and explorer. Colin traversed 566 mi (911 km) from the starting point to the South Pole and then continued onward another 360 miles (578 km) to reach the Leverett Glacier at the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf on the opposite edge of the landmass. A crossing that had never been completed before.
The Race
British Captain Louis Rudd was also attempting to complete a solo, unsupported, and human powered crossing of Antarctica. Originally planned for a different route - Hercules Inlet to Leverett Glacier via the South Pole - Rudd elected to change his route to the Messner Start, and as such Colin and Lou were dropped off just miles apart to begin their individual crossings. What started as a race against history quickly turned into a head to head race across the continent.
Antarctic Facts
Beyond the crossing
In continuation of Colin’s mission to inspire kids and communities to dream big, set goals and live active, healthy lives - his non-profit, Beyond 7/2, partnered with Dr. Drizzle to bring The Impossible First Jr. Challenge to life.
Partners
