There are many adventure seekers who take life by storm and, against all odds, barely survive the most extreme odds. But one story, in particular, defies those odds to the highest degree.
Sarah Outen from London decided to traverse the circumference of the world using only her own human power. After Sarah graduated from Oxford University, her father passed away unexpectedly in 2006, prompting her to consider living in the ocean for several months. It was then that her adventure began to take shape.
The 30-year-old traveled the world and finished her 4-year, 217-day mission in November 2015, rowing under London’s Tower Bridge as her fans and fiancée Lucy waved at her. Sarah’s journey began in London in April 2011. From there she kayaked, paddled and cycled more than 25,000 miles to get back to London. She is the first person in history to row from Japan to Alaska in 150 days.
This peerless female athlete has weathered grueling winter storms with temperatures reaching -40 in Alaska, biked through the Gobi Desert in temperatures above 105, faced life-threatening bears and snakes, and nearly died after your rowboat will be trapped under the bow of a container ship.
Most of Sarah’s walk was done alone, but sometimes she was accompanied by well-wishers or her girlfriend Lucy. As she endured the long line across the Pacific, Sarah called Lucy on the satellite phone to propose. The phone call was followed by emotion and tears from both women.
During this incredible adventure, Sarah gained widespread support from her fans and was able to raise over $50,000 to help some of her favorite charities including: CoppaFeel!, MND Association, WaterAid and Jubilee Sailing Trust. She has also inspired children to make the most of life, which was the main reason she decided to go on this adventure. She wanted to inspire young people to pursue whatever they wanted in life, no matter the odds.
“For me, this expedition has always been about adventure, challenge and most importantly about learning. But I also wanted to share this experience with others, to show people, especially young people, what you can do whatever you set your mind to… This is a belief inspired by my late father and it’s one I always carry with me.”
Her determination and drive lead her to finish the adventure with a bright, smiling face and the requisite bottle of champagne. Lucy says that now that Sarah is back, they can start planning the wedding. Since then, Sarah has traveled across Britain inspiring people to take life by storm, defying the odds and living her own dreams to the fullest.