Richard has skied more solo, unsupported, and unassisted miles in Antarctica than anyone else in history and completed more solo, unsupported, and unassisted journeys from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole than anyone too.
Born in Pontypridd, Wales to a Welsh father and British Jamaican mother, Richard is proud to be the first Welshman and, we believe, the first person of colour to cross Antarctica from the coast to pole solo.
Richard has history with world record attempts. In 2011, he successfully became the first person to climb the highest mountain on each of the seven continents and stand on the North and South pole in the same calendar year. But, in 2015, Richard and his team had to abandon his ascent of Everest without supplementary oxygen.
Going fast and exploring our planet is a privilege. Richard has always believed that his expeditions must achieve a societal goal: From pioneering medical research and cutting edge product development to ground-breaking applied student learning, Richard and his team are committed to continue evolving our relationship with the planet. In his book, Beyond the horizon, he courageously spoke of the mental health impact when a shoulder injury ended his professional rugby career in 2009. Learning to climb was Richard’s salvation. Since those darkest of times, Richard uses adventure, film making and writing to inspire and empower others to achieve their potential and, in doing so, his team of individuals and global brands have helped him to achieve the impossible.
Richard is also a former Welsh international rugby player, award-winning author, multiple BAFTA Cymru nominated television presenter and filmmaker, and has been identified as one of Britain’s most promising leaders in his selection for the inaugural Franco-British Young Leaders Programme pioneered by the British and French governments.
Richard’s most recent broadcast project: ‘Richard Parks: Can I be Welsh and Black?’ was nominated for a 2021 BAFTA Cymru Award. It’s a one-hour documentary film commissioned for ITV Wales, in which Richard courageously explores race and national identity in Wales.
He is a devoted dad, husband, son, and self-confessed denim addict! When he’s not flying his Welsh flag in the furthest corners of our planet, you’ll find him teaching, chasing sunrises in Wales, renovating his family home, cooking, practicing his Welsh language skills or making up for a lost 2 years with mates over a coffee!
Richard Parks
