Disabled skier becomes first to reach South Pole and thanks readers in France for support
British stroke survivor Jonny Huntington became first disabled person to ski to southernmost point of Earth
Jonny made it to the South Pole after 45 gruelling days
Antarctic Logic and Expeditions / Mark Hayward
A disabled skier who trained in France has made history by being the first para-athlete to ski to the South Pole.
Jonny Huntington, 38, skied across 911km of dangerous Antarctic tundra from Fuchs-Messner on the edge of the Antarctic landmass to the South Pole.
He completed the trip in 45 days,13 hours, 15 minutes.
He spoke to The Connexion about his experience whilst at Union Glacier Camp in Antarctica, where he is resting before flying home on January 13 via South America.
Quick return to skiing
He will be cross-country skiing again at the end of the month, this time In the French resort of Les Contamines-Montjoie on the border between Savoie and Haut-Savoie.
“It will be wonderful to enjoy an easier ski, as right now I am exhausted,” he said
“The expedition took longer than planned. I ended with only 24 hours-worth of rations. I fell over 18 times, hurt the Achilles tendon on my right ankle and spent the final three weeks fearing it might snap.”
However, he never faltered as he knew people back home were supporting his journey.
“The amazing positive messages I received from well wishers, especially from France [helped me keep going].”
“I would like to thank Connexion readers who followed my journey. I realised that the expedition wasn’t just about me, but about human endeavour and possibilities, whatever our disabilities may be.”
“I am so proud to make it to the Pole and complete an expedition many thought impossible.”
Extensive training in France
The British stroke survivor trained in cross-country skiing here in France in the ski resort of Serre Chevalier as well as with the Para Nordic team in Scandinavia, to prepare for this challenge.
We first interviewed Jonny just prior to him setting off for the challenge.
Read more: From Devon and Serre Chevalier to the South Pole; para-skier's epic challenge
It came after Jonny faced years of medical treatment and rehabilitation following his stroke.
His stroke in 2014 left him, at just 28, paralysed down his left side and affected his brain.
He was forced to leave his career as a British army officer.
“I set myself challenges,“ he says. “I did a master’s degree in sports sciences and took up cross country skiing which became a passion. But this [trek to the South Pole] was a huge challenge!”
The falls he suffered occurred mostly at the beginning of his journey.
”My brain is still not good at connecting with my left ankle, meaning that my leg doesn’t get the messages it should to straighten, and it goes kind of wobbly!
“It was a question of correcting. The last week when the right tendon started hurting, I was taking the occasional pain killer. Making lists, music, having a regular schedule, and those important messages kept me going.”
His music play list included the Beach Boys, but the top hit was Memphis, by American artist ‘Kitten’.
“Asian curry dishes with chocolate to follow were also comforting.” he said.
Widespread support
Jonny was supported by friends and relations, especially his mum, Jane.
“Mum is brilliant. She doesn’t ski herself, but understands why I love it and is very positive. My former commanding officer Liz Winfield, chief operations operator of the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team, has also been a great help to me."
He used the opportunity to raise funds for disability charities and is now planning more challenges.
“In 2026, I am hoping to run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 US states," he says.
“It sounds difficult but I have done a lot of running and my legs are fine now. I can do it!”
He will also be talking to schools about facing challenges and how to cope with physical and mental illness.
Read more: Ski in your underwear?! British women’s idea for charity event in France catches on
