Norwegian explorer Karen Kyllesø, aged 21, has made history by becoming the youngest person to reach the South Pole solo and without assistance. Kyllesø completed the grueling journey in 54 days, covering approximately 1,130 kilometers on skis, according to Münchner Merkur. She pulled a sled weighing about 100 kilograms, which is more than double her own body weight of 48 kilograms.
The expedition was marked by extreme conditions, including temperatures that dipped to minus 40 degrees Celsius, stormy winds, and a total elevation difference of over 2,800 meters. Originally, Kyllesø aimed to finish the journey in 50 days but had to adjust her goal due to adverse weather conditions, reported Expressen Kerlek.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised Kyllesø's achievement, saying she "follows in the footsteps of the greatest polar explorers and is making history," describing her accomplishment as a "national achievement," according to GoteborgsPosten. Her mentor, Lars Ebbesen, commended her preparation and execution. "I think it's absolutely fantastic that such a young woman has done such a great job," he said, as reported by Dagbladet.
Upon reaching her destination, Kyllesø described her mixed feelings about the modern structures at the South Pole. "After 54 days in the beautiful nature, I arrive and here are buildings and machines. It seems like that doesn't really belong here. I even found it a bit ugly," she said, referring to the US research station Amundsen-Scott, according to Gazet van Antwerpen.
In the final days of her journey, Kyllesø had to slow her pace due to what she believes was asthma caused by the extreme cold.
At 15, Kyllesø made history by joining a team to cross a 600-kilometer Greenland ice cap, becoming the youngest woman to complete the trek, according to Mirror. She prepared intensively for six years for the polar expedition.
Before Karen Kyllesø, the record holder for the youngest person to reach the South Pole was Pierre Hedan, who achieved this record in January 2024 at the age of 26.
Her father, Håkon Kyllesø, expressed immense pride in her accomplishment. "The mayor just called and wanted to go to the airport when she comes home," he said, as reported by Dagsavisen. He also noted the family's adventurous spirit. "She has a combination of good genes," he said, recalling that her mother was a star of cross-country skiing and that he loves nature walks, according to Clarín.
Kyllesø's achievement has drawn praise from other notable explorers. Liv Arnesen, the first woman to ski alone to the South Pole in 1994, congratulated Kyllesø on her success. "Karen is very experienced," said Arnesen, praising her for fighting through difficult conditions and calling her achievement fantastic, as reported by Dagsavisen.
"Hooray, hooray, hooray! Now I will take some time to recover and settle down after this lifetime adventure, then I will tell many interesting things about the journey. Thank you everyone for following this adventure!" Kyllesø announced on Instagram reaching her destination, according to Expressen Kerlek.
To celebrate her achievement, Kyllesø asked for pasta with Bolognese sauce, a salad, a soft drink, and a glass of champagne, which she shared on her Instagram profile.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.