Todd Carmichael 2008 Expedition Earth South Pole Update: Challenging Hannah McKeand’s World Speed Record

Todd Carmichael has pushed himself to the brink of doing something unthinkable.  For 31 days, Todd Carmichael has battled the wind, the snow, and the bitter cold of one of the world’s most desolate places.  He started this expedition to the South Pole with the intentions of maybe becoming the first American to go solo and unsupported to the Pole.  Today, roughly 8 days out from his destination, Todd is sitting neck and neck with World Record Holder Hannah McKeand for the fastest solo and unsupported expedition….ever.

Todd’s possible record has not come without a price.  Two days in, one of the bindings on his ski snapped.  He fought through that and rigged it up to work.  The very next day, the binding on the second ski snapped.  After some choice words for the binding manufacturer, Todd got up, tossed his skis aside, and decided to go on foot.  Has anyone actually walked to the South Pole, on foot, solo and unsupported? Probably not. Todd wouldn’t be happy with that record, though.  Eight days from the end, Todd Carmichael has pulled within reach of passing Hannah McKeand’s record breaking pace from 2006.  Hannah made the historic solo and unsupported expedition in a time of 39 days, 10 hours, and 33 minutes.  With just 8 days to go before Todd Carmichael reaches the Pole, it is looking like he may overcome a nearly 20 mile deficit to Hannah’s 2006 pace, to take over the world record.

It hasn’t come without struggle.

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Must Read Interview: Henry Worsley of the 2008 Shackleton Centenary Expedition

Shackleton. Scott. Amundsen. Mawson. Each of these individuals exemplify the early days of polar exploration and adventure. Their names have been written down in history books around the world. Their adventures, trials, and tribulations have become the backdrop for many explorers and adventurers that still look to them for inspiration. They are men of myth, men of legend, and men of intrigue. Their stories still consume us and occupy a small part of our minds that will forever make us yearn to strive farther and harder, pushing our boundaries to their utmost limits.

Ernest Shackleton, whom most people regard as one of the greatest polar explorers to ever live, never achieved his dream of reaching the South Pole. He was turned back less than 112 miles away from his original goal. In 1911, Roald Amundsen would beat him to the mark. Although Shackleton wasn’t the first to reach the South Pole, he is still remembered fondly for laying the groundwork that would eventually lead to it’s discovery. Through the course of his explorations, Shackleton was able to break many previous records for farthest person south. Just not the first to the South Pole.

In 2008, the Shackleton Centenary Expedition is set to launch. This expedition, led by Henry Worsley, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ernest Shackleton’s 1909 polar expedition aboard the Nimrod. The Shackleton Centenary Expedition will follow the same course, visit the same places, and hopefully reach the South Pole, much as Ernest Shackleton attempted to do in 1909.

Perhaps it runs in the family. Members of the Shackleton Centenary Expedition are directly related to those who were on the original Ernest Shackleton Expedition of 1909. It is a big undertaking that should draw up much interest in polar history, as well as help launch The Shackleton Foundation, a new charitable trust that will be used to honor the original crew of Ernest Shackleton’s expeditions, as well as celebrate the pioneering spirit, through grants and other means, to those who strive to help the less-fortunate of today.

I feel privelidged and honored to be able to present to you an exclusive interview with Henry Worsley, leader of the 2008 Shackleton Centenary Expedition to the South Pole:

Henry, first off, welcome to The Adventurist and thank-you for taking the time to speak with me. In 2008, you and your crew mates are planning on launching the Shackleton Centenary Expedition. How are things looking on your end? Are preparations going smoothly?

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