Meet Polar Preet: The first Asian woman to complete a solo polar expedition EVER

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British Army medical officer, physiotherapist and explorer Preet Chandi, also known as “Polar Preet”, has conquered one of the most unforgiving corners of the world alone.

The Army Captain completed her expedition across Antarctica in January 2023, and recently broke the records for the longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey by a female and the overall longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey ever.

Her appetite for adventure also made her the first Asian woman to complete a solo expedition to the South Pole with her first expedition in January 2022.

“It feels amazing,” Preet says about being a record holder. “I knew about Guinness World Records when I was younger, I never thought I would be in it!”

However, she is so much more than a record-breaking name in the headlines.

She is a headstrong woman with her eyes set on the prize, an adventurer, an inspiration.
She is a woman of colour who has faced boundaries and limitations because of who she was, and who never allowed anybody to tell her who she could (and couldn't) be. 

Polar Preet's expedition (phases one and two)

Stretching between 13 November 2022 and 23 January 2023, Preet's route was divided into two phases and covered a whopping total of 1,484.53 kilometres (922.44 miles). 

Her long journey unfolded across the inhospitable Antarctica continent from the Hercules Inlet (a narrow inlet that serves as a common starting point for Polar expeditions) to the majestic, over-160 km (100 mi) long Reedy Glacier. 

She travelled for a total of 70 days and 16 hours with just the company of her Pulk, a type of sledge often used to transport supplies, using a satellite phone to communicate with her loved ones.

That means more than two months withstanding harsh weather conditions and unspeakable difficulties all on her own. 

For now, Preet plans to spend a lot of well-deserved time with her family and friends. She'll also go back to her day-to-day job, taking care of the rehabilitation of injured soldiers.

“I took unpaid leave from work to do this expedition and don’t think I can afford to do that again currently, so I will be back in my full-time role in the Army soon so whatever I want to do next, I will just need to manage it alongside work.”

Every day, however, Preet is inspired by those who push their boundaries. 

"My niece who is now 11 years old inspires me every time she tries something new or pushes outside of her comfort zone."