Cath Pendleton achieves world first and makes the history books as the first person to swim an ice mile inside the polar Antarctic circle.

In a swim that took place on 22nd February, in a water temperature of 0°c, location 66°52’S, 66°48’W, Cath was faced with everything the hostile environment could throw at her.

The 8-day voyage to the swim location saw storms, melting icebergs, with the swim almost being aborted due to a pod of hunting orcas and leopard seals.

“The day of the swim was a rollercoaster of emotions; excitement, fear, adrenalin. To say I’m over the moon at achieving this is an understatement. I still can’t believe that almost 48 [years old] Cath from South Wales has made history – and I’ve done it in the most amazing location in the world. I hope my world first will empower others to try new things and never stop believing that anything is possible” Said Cath.

Antarctica 2020 swim expedition leader Ger Kennedy,(the first man to complete Ice 7’s challenge & first man to swim a mile in both Arctic and Antarctic) said: “What Cath has achieved today is a world first. To witness her becoming the first person to swim a mile inside the Antarctic polar circle was a wonderful moment. The breath-taking wilderness of Antarctica is a hostile environment and Cath’s amazing achievement is testament to her grit and determination.”

Over the past few years, with Source Insurance as a sponsor Cath has become the first Welsh woman to complete an ice mile, she has swum the English Channel (a childhood ambition) and represented Team GB at the IISA World Championships and Arctic Cup in Murmansk, Russia.

Tania Frowen, MD Source Insurance added “Cath is an exceptional woman who never fails to amaze and inspire people. To achieve a world first is an incredible feat. Cath’s spirit and positive vibes are infectious and we are proud to sponsor her!”