An American man has become the first person to trek across Antarctica completely unassisted and unaided by wind.
Colin O'Brady, 33, took 54 days to complete the nearly 1500km trek from coast-to-coast.
Race to the finish
O'Brady joined fellow explorer and Englishman Louis Rudd in racing to complete the so-called 'Impossible First'.
It's reported Rudd is one to two days behind his American counterpart.
Colin O'Brady (left) with fellow trekker Louis Rudd Source: Colin O'Brady
For most of the journey, O’Brady had been stopping at around 8pm after 12 hours of trekking. But as he got closer to the finish line, he would continue later into the night to cover the distance quicker.
O'Brady is no stranger to elite endurance, having represented the United States in triathlons, conquering Mount Everest and holding two of the most prestigious mountaineering world records (Explorers Grand Slam (Last Degree) and Seven Summits).
But his effort to complete the final 125km of his 1482km journey in just 32-hours, is being hailed as a remarkable effort.
O'Brady said he carried a 170kg sled for 12-13 hours per day through harsh conditions Source: Colin O'Brady
O'Brady, who posted his milestones on social media and on his website, revealed he covered the remaining "80 miles in one continuous 'Antarctica Ultramarathon' push to the finish line."
"While the last 32 hours were some of the most challenging hours of my life, they have quite honestly been some of the best moments I have ever experienced," O'Brady said.
"I’m delirious writing this as I haven’t slept yet."
The New York Times, which featured O'Brady in a November 11 story shortly after his departure, reported that O'Brady took only one day off, on November 29, in order to fix a ski.
'The Impossible Mission'
Other explorers who have tried to cross Antarctica solo either died or needed rescue. Despite that possible fate, the pair set off on November 3.
The trek began at the Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions base camp at Union Glacier. They raced from Messner Start on the Ronne Ice Shelf and finished south on the Ross Ice Shelf at Leverett Glacier.
An image of the live-tracked journey on Colin O'Brady's website Source: Colin O'Brady
According to the New York Times, the feat ranks in historical perspective along with expeditions led by Norway's Roald Amundsen and by Robert Falcon Scott of England, who battled to become the first to reach the magnetic South Pole - Amundsen was first. Using kite and wind, Borge Ousland became the first to cross the continent alone and unsupported in 1996-97.
O’Brady reached the South Pole on December 12, the 40th day of his journey.
'One of the best days of my life', Colin O'Brady at the South Pole on Day 40 Source: Colin O'Brady
He told the New York Times he was "getting emotional, nostalgic" about the journey.
His mission now accomplished, O'Brady said he would "pitch his tent, close his eyes and wait for his rival, Rudd, to complete his own solo journey."
"My plan is to wait here for Lou and fly to Union Glacier together."
