A Polar Adventure

What comes to mind when you think of a family holiday? A seaside trip? A cruise? Not for Amelia Hempleman-Adams! As the daughter of famous British explorer David Hempleman, Amelia’s family holidays have never been ordinary. Since the age of seven, she has been traveling all over the world. 1. ...... But even these extreme family trips couldn’t prepare her for an adventure that would take her to the frozen landscapes of Antarctica. Her destination? The South Pole!

Amelia prepared for Antarctic temperatures by camping in a supermarket storage freezer at a temperature of -50°C! 2. ...... She also exercised every day to get her body ready for the challenge. 3. ...... Along with eight other expedition members, they flew to Antarctica and arrived at the farthest point south where, in 1909, the famous explorer Ernest Shackleton had to abandon his own mission to the Pole. It was from there that Amelia’s brave team set off on skis, hoping that their 21st-century attempt would succeed.

During the journey, Amelia faced very tough conditions. She had to ski against strong freezing winds while dragging a heavy sledge with supplies. David, meanwhile, was anxious to protect his daughter from the dangers of hypothermia and frostbite. 4. ...... Amelia became the youngest person ever to ski to the South Pole – an amazing achievement for a 16-year-old schoolgirl!