Paul Theroux is a distinguished American novelist and travel writer renowned for his vivid portrayals of diverse cultures and locales. After earning a B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1963, he joined the Peace Corps, teaching in Malawi and later in Uganda.
Borge Ousland is a Norwegian polar explorer, adventurer, and author who has redefined the boundaries of human endurance and exploration. With over three decades of groundbreaking polar expeditions, he is celebrated as the first person to complete solo, unsupported crossings of the Antarctic continent and the Arctic. His feats include traversing the North Pole during the winter’s polar night and undertaking daring solo journeys across some of the planet’s harshest terrains. These accomplishments have cemented his place among the most iconic explorers of our time.
Kristin Harila is a Norwegian mountaineer, skier, and outdoor athlete. In 2022, her record-breaking attempt to summit all 14 of the world’s 8000-meter peaks in six months was brought to a disappointing end as her team failed to obtain permits for the final two mountains in Chinese Tibet. Despite the setback, Kristin is more determined than ever this year to take on the record again set by Nirmal Purja in 2019.
As one of the most prolific explorers and mountaineers, Conrad Anker has summited Mount Everest three times. In 1999, Anker discovered the body of George Mallory, one of the two British climbers who died attempting to climb Everest in 1924, helping to shed more light on one of mountaineering’s most famous mysteries. He has made many notable first ascents, from Alaska, through the Himalayas, to Antarctica, not only choosing the highest peaks but the most difficult ones.
