One Woman, Sarah Outen, Circles The World Using Only Her Own Power

There are a lot of adventure seekers out there that take life by storm, and against all odds, come out barely surviving the most extreme of hardships. But one story, in particular, defies those odds to the highest degree.

Sarah Outen, of London, decided to trek the circumference of the world by using only her own human power. After Sarah graduated Oxford University, her father unexpectedly passed away in 2006, which led her to consider the possibility of living on the ocean for several months. It was then, that her adventure started to take form.

The 30 year old travelled the world and finished her 4 year 217 day mission on November 2015, by rowing under the Tower Bridge in London as she was greeted by her followers and her Fiance, Lucy. Sarah’s journey began in London in April 2011. From there she kayaked, rowed, and cycled over 25,000 miles to reach London again. She is the first person in history to row from Japan to Alaska in 150 days.

This unparalleled female athlete has been through grueling winter storms with temperatures reaching -40 in Alaska, cycled the Gobi Desert at temperatures higher than 105, has dealt with life threatening bear and snake encounters, and almost died after her rowboat got caught under the bows of a container ship.

The majority of Sarah’s trek was done solo, but on occasion she would be accompanied by supporters or her girlfriend Lucy. While she was enduring the long row across the Pacific, Sarah called Lucy by satellite phone to propose. The phone call was followed by excitement and tears from both women.

During this incredible adventure, Sarah has gained widespread support from her followers and has been able to raise over $50,000 to help a few of her favorite charities including: CoppaFeel!, the MND Association, WaterAid and the Jubilee Sailing Trust. She has also inspired children to get the most out of life, which was the biggest reason she decided to go on this adventure. She wanted to inspire young people to go after whatever they want in life, no matter what the odds are.

“For me this expedition has always been about the adventure, the challenge, and importantly about the learning. But I also wanted to share this experience with others, to show people, especially young people, that you can do whatever you put your mind to. This is a belief inspired by my late father and is one I carry with me always.”

Her determination and drive lead her to finish the adventure with a bright, smiling face and a the obligatory bottle of champagne. Lucy says now that Sarah is back, they can start planning the wedding. Sarah has since traveled around Britain inspiring people to take life by storm, defying odds, and live their own dreams to the fullest.