Finnish polar trekker Teemu Lakkasuo injured

Teemu Lakkasuo

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The Finnish ski-trekker Teemu Lakkasuo, who set off in mid-November to ski solo across Antarctica to the South Pole, has been forced to break his journey for the time being after having fallen badly en route.
     
Teemu Lakkasuo’s goal is to become the first Finn to ski across the southern continent solo, unsupported and unassisted, to reach the South Pole.
      In his e-mail to Helsingin Sanomat Lakkasuo reports that at the moment he is in the base camp in Patriot Hills trying to heal his wounds.
      In his diary Lakkasuo writes that his ”tibia (shinbone) is badly bruised" and that he has fractured a rib, and he had to turn back to the base camp.
      However, Lakkasuo intends to continue his journey as soon as the leg has healed enough for him to ski.
     
In his e-mail Lakkasuo also describes the conditions in the Antarctica, where a number of ski-trekkers are on their way towards the South Pole.
      Even though the destination is the same for all, the travellers normally do not see each other from behind the masses of snow.
     
Almost simultaneously, two other Finns, Kari Suomela and Pasi Ikonen, had also set off to ski unsupported across Antarctica to the South Pole.
      Full details of the two expeditions can be had from the links given below.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Teemu Lakkasuo skiing solo 1,100 km to South Pole (12.11.2008)

Links:
  Suomela-Ikonen South Pole Expedition 2008
  Finnish South Pole Solo Expedition - Teemu Lakkasuo

Helsingin Sanomat