Women

Polar Preet: Praise pours in for 'history-making expedition'

British Army Captain Preet Chandi has made history by becoming the first woman of colour to cross Antarctica unsupported.

Captain Chandi also known as 'Polar Preet', arrived safely at the South Pole after a 700-mile trek in 40 days and praise has poured in across social media.

She set out with hopes that her expedition would inspire more women of colour to do the extraordinary and "step outside this box that's been created for us".

The margin for error on an expedition like this is so small. The amount of prep it takes is nothing short of Herculean. To understand what it means to see a brown woman achieve this, given the cultural blocks and lack of mainstream representation…role model doesn’t even cover it
— Poorna Bell (@poornabell) January 3, 2022

"Her history-making expedition is an inspiration to all of us and a phenomenal achievement."

Defence Secretary @BWallaceMP has congratulated Capt Preet Chandi for reaching the South Pole on her epic solo fundraising adventure.@PreetChandi10 | @BritishArmy pic.twitter.com/Myxsub7krh
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 3, 2022

We have followed your incredible journey over the last 40 days. The DMS is so very proud of everything you have achieved! Wishing you a safe journey home #polarpreet #inspirational @PreetChandi10 https://t.co/8wynKscag1
— Defence Medical Services (@DMS_MilMed) January 3, 2022

A fantastic achievement and a real inspiration! @PreetChandi10 has become the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition in #Antarctica.#PolarPreet https://t.co/Gx04CljQu4
— British Army (@BritishArmy) January 3, 2022

She’s only gone and done it! Ahead of schedule too… incredible!

Well done @PreetChandi10 💪 https://t.co/mCV6wlCv1Z
— The Field Army (@field_army) January 3, 2022

Brilliant achievement! Congratulations @PreetChandi10 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/DeoWZWb1lv
— Defence Sikh Network UK (@DefenceSikhNW) January 3, 2022

#PolarPreet has reached the South Pole almost a week ahead of schedule!

“It was tough getting here and I want to thank everybody for their support”.

Amazing determination, courage and resilience from @PreetChandi10 pic.twitter.com/jxKu7uxc2Z
— ArmyAT (@ArmyAdvTrg) January 3, 2022

Huge congratulations to Captain Preet Chandi on completing her 700-mile unsupported trek to the South Pole.
A fantastic display of grit, determination and courage, well done #PolarPreet @PreetChandi10; much respect to you. https://t.co/2hEUCuVAP7
— John Nichol (@JohnNicholRAF) January 3, 2022