Hello friends, Today I’m taking you on one of the most iconic expeditions in history, a relentless race across the Antarctic: the conquest of the South Pole by Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian, and Robert Falcon Scott, the Briton.
In 1911, these two explorers embarked on this extreme adventure simultaneously, but each with their own approach. Amundsen, methodical and experienced, relied on sled dogs and Inuit techniques. Scott, on the other hand, adopted a more complex approach: he used Mongolian ponies and also relied on his men to pull the sleds themselves.
On December 14, 1911, Amundsen and his team reached the Pole first, thanks to rigorous preparation and suitable equipment. Scott arrived a month later, exhausted, and bitterly discovered the Norwegian flag already planted.
Determined but weakened, he began the return journey with his men. But Antarctica was unforgiving: the ponies died, and the men collapsed from exhaustion and cold. Scott and his companions finally succumbed, stranded by a storm just a few kilometers from their last supply depot.
This tragic race teaches us a fundamental truth: success depends not only on courage or willpower, but also on preparation and adaptability.
📌 So, the next time you embark on an ambitious challenge, ask yourself:
Are you as well prepared as Amundsen, or are you moving forward with only Scott’s hopes?
📖 I’ll see you soon for more inspiring stories from around the world.
🎙️ April 2025 podcast produced by Francaisdanslemonde.fr: Radios and podcasts for French speakers preparing for or experiencing international mobility.
📱 Free mobile app available for Android and Apple, search for “FRENCH IN THE WORLD.”
📡 Hosted by Ausha. Visit ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.