The Impossible First

Colin O’Brady’s awe-inspiring memoir recounts his triumphant recovery from a tragic accident and his gripping 932-mile crossing of the landmass of Antarctica solo, unsupported, and human powered—the first to accomplish this extraordinary feat. Prior to December 2018, no individual had ever crossed the landmass of Antarctica alone and without any outside assistance. Yet Colin O’Brady was determined to do just that, even if, upon taking the first steps of what was to be a nearly two-month journey, he had his doubts. He was compelled by a curiosity for the unknown, his own competitive instincts, and the encouragement of his wife. His challenge was made even more intense by a head-to-head battle that emerged with British polar adventurer Captain Louis Rudd—also striving to be “the first.” On skis, pulling a sled that at first weighed 375 pounds, in complete isolation and through a succession of whiteouts, storms, and a series of near disasters—O’Brady persevered. Somewhere in the vast white landscape was Rudd. The Impossible First is the story of O’Brady’s spectacular, record-breaking journey across the continent and it is the story of the journey that led him to this endeavor. After a burn accident in his early twenties, he was told he might never walk again. From the depths of that crisis, he fought his way back and went on to set three mountaineering world records. With Everest and the tallest peaks on each continent already conquered, he felt driven to further explore his potential, which now brought him to this historic Antarctic challenge. His triumph over adversity and his stunning dedication have inspired millions. Set against the backdrop of one of the most extreme environments on earth, The Impossible First reveals how anyone can reject limits, overcome immense obstacles, and discover what matters most.