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This
amazing journey took Matt from Sydney to Norway,
and then across the frozen Arctic ocean by military
plane to the floating Russian Ice Station, Borneo.
After a day of final preparations, Matt and his
team mates began their long haul across the Arctic
ice, dragging 70kg sleds.
Battling
extreme weather conditions including blizzards,
white-outs, open water and temperatures 40 below,
Matt and the team pushed North towards the pole,
which they successfully reached after covering
over 20km in 14 hours of trekking - their longest
day of the expedition.
Add
to this, Matt's successful expedition to ANTARCTICA
in the summer of 2003/04, and he can proudly boast
voyages to both Antarctica and the Arctic, an
amazing feat for anyone let alone someone at only
23 years of age. More expeditions lay ahead including
a world record attempt at a solo South Pole trek
at the end of this year. Now back in Sydney, Matt
has continued with his keynote presentations,
based around his experiences in Antarctica and
now the Arctic. His presentations cover a variety
of topics including:
- The Journey of Life (suitable for HSC English)
- Turning Dreams into Reality
- Overcoming Adversity to Succeed
- Proper Planning for Life's Adventures
- Self Belief
- Team Work & Leadership
It
all started in suburban Sydney, where Matt grew
up, fascinated by the mysteries of life beyond
the confines of his home and familiar surroundings.
In
December 2003, Matt McFadyen 'the adventurer'
was born when, at the tender age of 22 years,
he set sail for Antarctica in the company of five
like-minded adventurers.
Taking
a 43-foot yacht across the most dangerous ocean
on earth was no easy task. Having to navigate
fields of icebergs while beset by storms of mammoth
intensity, Matt was forced to draw on every ounce
of courage and perseverance he could muster as
nature surely tested his resolve and that of his
fellow adventurers.
The
meticulous planning and preparatory work that
had taken two years to complete paid off in January
2004, when Matt and his crew reached Commonwealth
Bay, Antarctica. For four days the hardy adventurers
explored the pristine wilderness that is Antarctica.
On
the return voyage Matt and the crew again experienced
the raw force and power of nature. With Matt at
the helm, the small craft was pounded by a massive
storm 550 nautical miles south of Tasmania. Waves
of up to fifty feet high swept across the yacht
knocking it over several times. Matt had to struggle
for his life as the waves continued to knock the
boat over and washed him overboard. This harrowing
experience and the raw power of nature inspired
and motivated Matt to further adventures.
As
a young adventurer, speaker and leader, Matt is
second to none. His achievements at such a young
age are testimony to his hard work and motivation.
His passion for life, his overall presence and
above all, his unique story make him a must see
individual and speaker. |
