Benefits of female physiology
In November, 2017, a group of British Army soldiers became the first all- female team to cross Antarctica from coast-to-coast and contributed to physiological science in the process.
Known as the Ice Maiden Expedition the only conditions for applicants were that they were serving in the Army (Regular or Reserve) and female. The rigorous selection process saw 250 applicants pushed to their limits in freezing conditions in Norway before shortlisting the final team.
They began their journey on the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf and from there climbed the Leverett Glacier, crossing the Trans-Antarctic Mountains to reach the polar plateau.
After reaching the South Pole they received a re-supply since their supplies were dwindling. After that the team turned north-west towards their final destination, Hercules Inlet.
The team travelled up to 43 kilometres a day, navigating crevasse fields, pulling sledges that weighed up to 80kg and battling temperatures as low as -40°C and winds of up to 100 kph. They finally crossed the finish line at Hercules Inlet after spending 62 days on the ice. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson congratulated the “heroic” and “trailblazing” team.
The six women were fitted with sensors inside their sports bras which measured their heart rates, body temperatures, sugar and exertion levels and it was found that they were better able to cope with the extreme conditions than those of men who also had made the journey in the past.
They lost fat but no lean muscle mass which was unusual. They are now providing essential data and information on how the female body responds to arduous training conditions.
The Ice Maiden team were following in the footsteps of Felicity Aston’s record-breaking solo Antarctic crossing in 2012. At the same time they were supporting Breast Cancer Care and the Army Cadet Forces Association through their epic trek. Well done ladies.