Tom Warburton: Youngest solo South Pole attempt

Interview by: Conan Marshall

In November 2020, Tom Warburton, 21, will set off from the coast of Antarctica to embark on a journey to the South Pole. Traversing through 690 miles of forbidding landscape, he will attempt to become the youngest person to trek to the South Pole solo. While at the same time, aiming to raise thousands of pounds for charity. His training has ranged from camping on Norwegian glaciers, to hauling tyres in local parks. In this Q&A, we find out about Tom’s upcoming Antarctic adventure.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and the inspiration behind taking on such an adventure? 

I’ve always been fascinated by polar expeditions, the brutal weather conditions, the bare landscapes and the test of mental strength. It’s the last place on the planet that is purely yourself against the elements, rescue is difficult, there’s no one there to support you. Certainly, Scott Sears expedition was a massive inspiration to attempt my own expedition

What do you aim to get out of this solo adventure? 

As a “millennial” I think a lot of people my age are prejudged, portrayed as a snowflake or a bit lazy. Certainly, I hope this expedition will highlight that age isn’t a barrier to achieving things that might be difficult, hopefully inspiring the next generation of explorers. For myself it’ll be a weird one, I’ve never spent that much time alone, so will be interesting to see how I react, and if my outlook on life will change afterwards. 

Could you elaborate on your relationship with Team Polar Endeavour and their goals? 

So I set up Team Polar Endeavour as a driver to really kickstart adventure among young people. As a team, we realised that adventure and particularly polar exploration is quite an exclusive club. Yet, it’s not inaccessible, my early training trips to Norway cost around £200 all in. We wanted to open up the world of polar exploration and adventure. We’re visiting schools and youth groups to talk about adventure. After my expedition that’s when we really see the full benefits of TPE. That’s when we will start providing the equipment loans, guidance and support. What’s more, after my expedition we will be running a national competition to try and find someone from a disadvantaged background to break my own record, helping them on their journey and supporting them all the way. 

I see that you have been spending time solo camping to test equipment and temperatures, could you talk about where you have been training and what’s involved?

The training has been essential for getting ready for this expedition. I’ve mainly been training in the Hardangervidda national park in Norway. Its where the original polar explorers trained, so it’s the perfect testing ground. So far I’ve been testing equipment and learning tips in a similar environment to Antarctica. I’m off to some more challenging environments to practice some more emergency drills and navigation. 

What challenges are you most concerned with?

I’m a bit worried about the isolation, 50 days solo isn’t really something I can prepare for. In terms of the more physical challenges, navigation is a little niggle, just because the consequences could be so fatal. 

Why do you think it’s important for yourself and others to push the limits of endurance? 

The human mind and body are still a mystery, I’ve been working with a company called Optimal X, who will be looking at how my body and mind react to my expedition. On a more basic level, pushing yourself to the limits of human endurance helps to inspire others and nurture the idea that we should never stop developing and work towards progress.

Is there a part of this expedition that you are looking forward to the most?

Ha, the start will be a strange one, getting ready to go and the build-up in Antarctica will be exciting. I spend a lot of time working to get sponsorship and just getting to the start line, so I feel almost disconnected from Antarctica. I think once I’ve cracked my routine and almost switched off from nerves I will be good. Of course, reaching the pole would be one of the most memorable moments of my life, but also bittersweet knowing that a large part of my life has ended. 

What fitness advice would you give to people looking to go on their own expedition?

Certainly, don’t underestimate the importance of a good diet, I’ve been working with a great team from Fuel my Performance and Optimal X. I struggle with my weight. I need to put on weight for this expedition but cardio is also essential so it can be difficult. Also, get yourself some tyres and drag em, you’ll get strange looks but it’s worth it!  

Any future ambitions regarding similar style adventures or is it too early to say?

I’ve always been a bit of a daydreamer, which can be a bit dangerous! I’m tempted by doing something warmer, maybe if I manage the world’s largest cold desert, I’ll try the world’s largest hot desert….

Follow Tom on his journey via his Instagram & website.

Contribute to his fundraising here.