British stroke survivor Jonny Huntington has become the first disabled person to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. The para-athlete from Devon completed the 566-mile Antarctic journey in 45 days, 14 hours, 15 minutes. Only 52 people have successfully skied to the South Pole without support and Jonny, 38, defied the odds to do so with only limited use of the left side of his body.
Ten years ago, a stroke left him with complete left-side paralysis from the neck down. After years of intense rehab, he lives with permanent brain damage resulting in a lack of control of his left foot and ankle, as well a reduced strength. Arriving at the South Pole on January 6 at 5pm (GMT), Jonny said: “I’m exhausted but so proud to make it to the pole and complete an expedition that many thought impossible.
“It has pushed me to my limits – both mentally and physically – but there was no way I was going to give up." Jonny's epic feat started on November 21 at Fuchs-Messner on the edge of the Antarctic landmass. On average, he skied for 11 hours a day, dragging a 200lb sled laden with the equipment and food he needed to survive the expedition.
He faced Arctic temperatures as low as -40 F / -40 C and 24-hour sunlight. He reported that his progress was slowed by huge ice formations called and soft snow. This year has been particularly challenging for adventurers in Antarctica with other expeditions having to be aborted.
Jonny, who , said: “Antarctica is a remote, hostile and uni.
