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Sophie Montagne

Sophie Montagne

First female team to cross Antarctica!

Before applying for Ice Maiden, Sophie was a London-based desk-dweller that hated the cold - the least likely candidate for a record-breaking polar team. But, breaking every boundary she had ever known, from conquering a fear of falling by jumping into crevasses, to facing commuters’ smirks as she dragged her training tyre across London, she was selected from 250 applicants for the final team of 6 women.

In 2017/18 the British Army's Ice Maidens skied 1,704km across Antarctica, dragging 80kg sledges, facing temperatures as low as -56C and finishing in 61 days, 14 days ahead of schedule.

This epic challenge has been life-changing and given her a new sense of confidence in her own ability, allowing her to change the path of her career.

She is now the Head of Operations for the Antarctic Heritage Trust and has the privilege of selecting, training and supporting the team that runs the penguin post office at Port Lockroy, Antarctica every year. Sophie also continues to serve as an Army Reservist.

Watch Sophie in action here.

Testimonials from Teachers

I cannot recommend Sophie highly enough as a speaker; she is one of the best I have ever heard. Humble, engaging, honest, fascinating and with the rare ability to connect with every single audience member; what more can you ask for? Do not hesitate to book her to speak at any event.

– Sarah Mathews, Headmistress, Truro High School for Girls

It is one thing to have a story to tell, quite another to tell it well. Sophie (and Sandy) are not only courageous but also captivating. Delivered with humility and an endearing honesty, theirs is an inspiring story.

– Peter Clague, Head Master, Bromsgrove School

Thank you Sophie for delivering an absolutely fantastic live video session. The children and the staff were mesmerised by the stories and pictures from the Ice Maidens’ Antarctica expedition. The experience was enhanced by being able to ask Sophie questions and the children loved seeing some of the equipment she used. The children were encouraged to think about “What’s your Antarctica?” and learning from Sophie’s experience allowed them to think outside the box. The session made the children think about teamwork and resilience and who knows, maybe one day they will be doing the same journey that Sophie and her team took.

– Eleanor Eckart, Primary Teacher, Cundall Manor School

Speaker File

Location

London

Topics

  • Primary
  • Sports
  • Careers
  • New Speakers
  • Women
  • Adventure
  • Conference

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