Ben Saunders

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Ben Saunders (born August 5, 1977 in Plymouth, England) is a British polar explorer, endurance athlete and motivational speaker.

He is best known for skiing solo to the North Pole in 2004, when he became the fourth in history and the youngest by ten years to reach the North Pole alone. He made three separate attempts to reach the North Pole between the ages of 23 and 26, skiing more than 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) in the high Arctic. He is the youngest person ever (at 26) to ski solo to the North Pole and holds the record for the longest solo Arctic journey by a Briton.

“I am an explorer of limits – geographically, physically and mentally. It’s about pure human endeavour, and the way in which I can inspire others to explore their own personal potential."

Biography

The eldest of two children, Ben grew up in Devon and Kent, was educated at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and worked as an instructor at the John Ridgway School of Adventure. He is an Honorary Vice-President of the Geographical Association, an Ambassador for the Prince's Trust, a Patron of the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) and supports The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Orchid Cancer Appeal. Ben has contributed to a number of publications including Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century and 'The Middle of Nowhere' published by Lonely Planet. He also recently spoke at the TED convention. He currently lives in London.

NORTH

In March 2008, Ben sets off on an attempt to break the North Pole speed record. The current record was set in 2005 by a guided team using dog sleds and numerous re-supplies in a time of 36 days 22 hours. Ben’s expedition will be solo and unsupported, and on foot. This route has only ever been completed once solo and unsupported, by Pen Hadow in 2003. Ben aims to halve his time and complete it in 30 days.

OUTH

Ben is also preparing for SOUTH, which will be the first return journey to the South Pole on foot, beginning in October 2008. If completed, it will be the longest unsupported polar journey in human history, taking 16 weeks and traversing 1800 miles (2900 kilometers).

External links

* [http://www.bensaunders.com/ Ben Saunders' website]
* [http://www.ted.com/tedtalks/tedtalksplayer.cfm?key=b_saunders Ben Saunders' speech at TED]
* [http://www.extreme-planet.com/explorers.asp?expl_id=78 Extreme Planet article]
* [http://www.bensaunders.com/ NORTH]
* [http://www.bensaunders.com/south/ SOUTH]
* [http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,11913,1157082,00.html This Much I Know] by Jane Oddy, "The Observer", February 29, 2004
* [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F06EFDB1E30F936A35755C0A9659C8B63 New York Times article on Ben Saunders]
* [http://www.itconversations.com/shows/detail254.html Recording of Ben Saunders' speech to PopTech conference in Maine]
* [http://www.moreintelligentlife.com/node/780 Terra Cognita] by Joanne Ramos, "Intelligent Life", December 2007