Former Royal Marine preparing for record-breaking unsupported crossing of Antarctica

A former Royal Marine is preparing for a world record-breaking attempt at crossing Antarctica solo.

Sam Cox will take on the challenge next month, with the idea initially coming during the Covid lockdowns.

It will see him ski more than 2,000km across one of the toughest environments on the planet for two months unsupported – meaning he will have to pull all of his equipment with him in a pulk across the frozen continent.

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Mr Cox has been working with a team of academics and students at Plymouth Marjon University to understand more about how his body performs to help him on his journey.  

This includes being set tasks in a cold room set at -20° Celsius before being assessed to see how he copes in the sub-zero temperatures.

Having served for more for than 10 years in the Royal Marines, Mr Cox's deployments to Norway, deep in the Arctic Circle, have allowed him and his body to adapt to the freezing conditions.

"Norway's a good background… I've not been more uncomfortable than I have been in Norway at times," he said.

"The most difficult part was transitioning from a military background to an [expedition side."

He explained this means he can leave items of kit and equipment out at night, rather than pack everything down, as he would when serving in the Royal Marines. 

The actual route Mr Cox will take has never been attempted before, although British Army Officer Captain Preet Chandi is the current record holder for this type of solo expedition.