Amundsen's centenary South Pole feat commemorated

Dec 14, 2011, 12:31 GMT

Oslo - Several hundred people attended a ceremony at the South Pole on Wednesday to commemorate Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, leader of the first expedition to reach it, exactly 100 years ago.

'We are here today to celebrate one of the most outstanding achievements of mankind,' said Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

'The 14th of December, 1911, was a proud day for Norway, a young nation,' Stoltenberg said, adding that the polar expeditions helped form Norway's 'national identity,' just six years after the country had gained independence.

A bust of Amundsen made of ice was unveiled at the site. Despite sunshine at the height of the Antarctic summer, the temperature was 40 degrees Centigrade below zero, news agency NTB reported.

Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of the Antarctic for the world's climate and warned of the consequences of melting ice amid global warming.

The ceremony, which was broadcast live to Norway, was attended by researchers working at the South Pole, tourists and members of various expeditions.

Amundsen and four other team members reached the South Pole on December 14, 1911. A British expedition led by Robert F Scott arrived at the South Pole a month later, but did not survive the return journey.

The event was also attended by Norwegian Polar Institute chief Jan-Gunnar Winther, who was part of a four-strong team replicating Amundsen's trek, but took a flight with another team member when it became clear that they would not reach the South Pole by Wednesday.

'We are deeply impressed by your organizational skills, efficiency and dedication,' Winther said in a tribute to Amundsen, citing the 'pressure' the adventurer had been under as he raced against Scott.

The conditions had been challenging, Winther said. In a recent entry on their website, the expedition said the snow was like 'fish glue,' quoting Amundsen, and adding it was 'almost like skiing through sand.'

The team had planned to set off on October 19, the same day as Amundsen and his expedition did back in 1911. But bad weather delayed their start by 12 days, so they skied long hours with short stops for rest and food to make up for lost time.

On Wednesday, the remaining two team members were completing the final 40 kilometres to the South Pole.