Short description
An inspiring and thrilling memoir of adventure and achievement from an internationally recognised endurance swimmer and ambassador for environmental awareness.
Long description
An inspiring and thrilling memoir of adventure and achievement from an internationally recognised endurance swimmer and ambassador for environmental awareness. In July 2007, Lewis Gordon Pugh became the first person to swim at the North Pole, in temperatures that would kill a normal person, primarily to raise awareness of climate change. Nicknamed 'the human polar bear' for his ability to raise his body's core temperature at will, he has pioneered swims in the world's most hostile waters, redefining what it is possible to achieve in terms of endurance. A maritime lawyer and former member of the SAS, Lewis tells his fantastic story here for the first time. Chapters cover his childhood, growing up with his 'hero' Surgeon Rear Admiral father, his early life in South Africa, his training in the army's elite corps, his inspiration and, of course, plenty of action/adventure stories, chronicling his many nail-biting endurance swims. He also shares his secrets on how to achieve the seemingly impossible. With practical lessons taken from his own life, Lewis explains how recognising one's passions and taking calculated risks is essential for anyone looking to fulfill their goals. The book will also cover his next and most dangerous expedition yet in May 2010. His story is inspiring, entertaining and thrilling in equal measure, and its 38-year-old author is a much needed role model for our times.