Jonny Huntington, a former GB para athlete, achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first disabled person to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. He completed the 566-mile journey in 46 days, enduring extreme conditions and overcoming the challenges posed by a debilitating stroke.
A former GB para athlete has become the first disabled person to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole . Jonny Huntington, from Kingsbridge, Devon, covered 566 miles (911km) of Antarctic tundra in 46 days despite the effects of a debilitating stroke he suffered in 2014. The 38-year-old set off from Fuchs-Messner on 21 November 2024 and arrived at the South Pole on Monday.
Throughout his expedition, he skied in extreme conditions, including freezing temperatures and 24-hour sunlight, while dragging a 242lb (110kg) sled carrying his food and equipment. Speaking via a satellite phone on arrival at the South Pole, Mr Huntington said: 'It's been a bit of a whirlwind since getting here. It's pretty emotional. 'My right leg is pretty sore, which I think is probably reasonable, because it's done most of the work.' Only 52 people have successfully skied to the South Pole without support but Mr Huntington is understood to be the first explorer with a disability to do so. A former Army officer, Mr Huntington was left paralysed from the neck down on his left side when he suffered a stroke at the age of 28. It took years of rehabilitation before he was able to fully walk again and he was left with restricted movement down his left side.Carrying equipment, Jonny Huntington had to ski for nine to 11 hours per day. 'In the last couple of weeks I have been in a position where I've worried if my good side is going to survive this.' During his stroke recovery, Mr Huntington became a member of the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST), which ignited his love for skiing.He went on to join the GB para Nordic ski team, competing between 2017 and 2020 at World Cups in Lviv, Ukraine, and Vuokatti, Finland, as well as the inaugural European Paralympic Committee Games in Poland in 2020. The idea for the South Pole expedition came after he stopped skiing competitively and he planned and trained for the expedition for five year
DISABILITY EXPLORATION SKIING SOUTH POLE SPORTS
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chile's President Boric Makes History as First Americas Leader to Reach South PoleChilean President Gabriel Boric has become the first leader in the Americas to visit the South Pole, arriving at a US base there. Boric's visit, accompanied by scientists and cabinet members, emphasizes Chile's commitment to Antarctic scientific projects, particularly those focused on climate change. The Chilean government aims to position the country as a global hub for Antarctic exploration and research.
Read more »
Ex-Team GB Para Athlete Aims to Be First Disabled Person to Ski Solo to South PoleJonny Huntington, a former Team GB para athlete, is over halfway through his solo skiing expedition to the South Pole. He's battling extreme conditions to become the first disabled person to complete this challenge. Huntington suffered a stroke in 2014, leaving him with limited movement on his left side.
Read more »
Nick Griggs: Tyrone athlete wins European Cross Country silver medal in U23 raceNick Griggs produces a hugely impressive finish to win a silver medal in the men's under-23 race at the European Cross Country Championships in Turkey.
Read more »
Athlete of the Year Caitlin Clark Reflects on the Progress and Promise of Women’s Sport“We’re just scratching the surface,” the basketball star who hinted that she may pursue team ownership later in her career said during the “Year in TIME” event featuring the leaders of 2024.
Read more »
Hamza Igamane told he is not a modern athlete as Rangers hero baffles punditsThe forward is on a three-game scoring streak after kickstarting his Rangers career
Read more »
Tributes after Invictus Games athlete and 'loving' dad diesThe Nottingham man was well known in sport and for his charity work
Read more »