CAPTAIN Harpreet Chandi has broken the record for longest unsupported and unassisted Antarctic expedition by a woman.

The 33-year-old soldier today notched 868 miles during her expedition to become the first woman to cross Antarctica without support, beating the previous record of 858 miles set by Anja Blacha three years ago.

Popularly known as ‘Polar Preet‘ for her 700-mile, 40-day trek to the South Pole last year, the army physiotherapist has been facing high winds extreme temperatures as low as -50C.

Although making history, the Derby adventurer didn’t quite make the original coast-to-coast crossing of her expedition after running out of time and having to trek to her pick-up location. The plan had been to go from Hurcules Inlet and get to Reedy Glacier in fewer than 75 days.

“I’m pretty gutted that I don’t have the time to complete the crossing,” she said on Thursday, adding that she had now turned to head for the pick-up point 30 miles away.

“I know that I have done a huge journey, it’s just difficult while I’m on the ice and I know it’s not that far away.”

You can become a sponsor of Polar Preet’s future expeditions HERE, or donate to her JustGiving page.