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Six British soldiers become first all-female ski squad to traverse Antarctica.

Six British soldiers became the first all-female ski team, known as the Ice Maidens, to trek more than 1,000 miles over 62 days in Antarctica unaided.

A group of badass British soldiers made history Saturday by becoming the first all-female ski team to cross Antarctica unaided.


The six-member squad known as the Ice Maidens trekked more than 1,000 miles over 62 days, enduring teeth-chattering temperatures as low as -40 degrees.


The group of gritty gals traveled up to 27 miles a day — including on Christmas — navigating icy chasms while pulling sleds weighing 176 pounds.


The two-month trek came to an end Saturday when they crossed the finish line at the Hercules Inlet.


“I'm just so incredibly proud of the team,” group leader Maj. Nics Wetherill said, according to British media. “I can't believe how far we've come.


“I'm just so incredibly proud of the team,” group leader Maj. Nics Wetherill said, according to British media. “I can't believe how far we've come.


“This journey has had good times, bad times and great times for all concerned, and each of them, I know, has made us better people.”



The team kicked off their historic journey at the edge of Ross Ice Shelf on Nov. 20. 

In addition to Wetherill and Maj. Natalie Taylor of the Royal Army Corps, the team featured Maj. Sandy Hennis of the Royal Signals, Capt. Zanna Baker and Lt. Jenni Stephenson, both of the Royal Artillery, and Honorable Artillery Company reservist Lance Sgt. Sophie Montagne.

“They are an inspiration to us all and are role models to young people across the country,” said British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson. "They truly demonstrate why the British Armed Forces are the best in the world.”


The team kicked off their historic journey at the edge of Ross Ice Shelf on Nov. 20.


“I have spent the last few days trying to imprint this beautiful landscape in my mind,” Taylor said. “We have called it home for close to two months now and I will, in a strange way, miss it a lot.”




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