Liv Arnesen (1953 - ) http://www.yourexpedition.com http://www.livarnesen.com Notable Achievements First woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole - a 50-day expedition of 745 miles (1,200 km). Occupation/Field of Study: Geographical explorer, Education, Motivational Speaker Exploration Zone: Land: Polar Explorer, ice, skiiing, sailing, polar, ; Location of Activity: Antarctic; Arctic: Polar explorer; Period of Activity: 2001- current; Biography Liv (pronounced ´leave´) Arnesen´s rich life experiences, both on and off the ice, have made her an internationally recognized leader and role model for women and girls. A self-proclaimed ´keen´ but not fanatical outdoors enthusiast, Arnesen is most interested in the development of adults and children. Through her diverse roles as a polar explorer, educator and motivational leader, Arnesen ignites passion in others to reach beyond their normal boundaries and achieve their dreams by sharing her own stories about exploring some of the most remote places on earth. Arnesen is a highly sought-after motivational speaker among corporations, schools and non-profit organizations. She has been named among Glamour magazine´s "Women of the Year" (2001); selected for the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame´s "Trailblazer" award (2001); presented with the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce "Achievement Award" (2001); and recognized by the Russian Geographic Society with a "Diploma of Honor" (1999). Born and raised in Norway, Arnesen competed in orienteering and cross-country skiing and coached high school students in advanced-level cross-country skiing. Arnesen has taught and coached high school and college students for more than 20 years and is involved in the rehabilitation of drug abusers. She holds degrees in Norwegian language and literature, history, sports and counseling. In 1994, Arnesen founded her own company, "White Horizons", which provides motivational lectures and team-building programs to kids and adults. Her notable achievements include: * February 2001 -Arnesen and Ann Bancroft become the first women in history to sail and ski across Antarctica's landmass - completing a 94-day, 1,717-mile (2,747 km) trek. *1996 -Arnesen climbs the north side of Mount Everest, getting to within 6,200 ft (1,900 m) of the summit before altitude sickness forces her to descend. * 1994 -Arnesen first woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole - a 50-day expedition of 745 miles (1,200 km). *1992 - Arnesen leads the first unsupported women´s crossing of the Greenland Ice Cap.