Richard Parks

Richard Parks is an extreme environment athlete, who has succeeded in accomplishing amazing acts of bravery against the elements.

He is a former professional rugby player who represented Wales 4 times and played for teams in Wales, England and France during a career which spanned 13 years. 37-year old Parks now spends his time taking on expeditions and challenges which push the boundaries of human performance and has made history twice with 2 incredible feats of endurance. The first challenge was to climb the highest mountain on each of the world’s 7 continents (Mount Vinson in Antarctica, Aconcagua, South America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Carstensz Pyramid, in Asia, Everest, Denali or Mount Mckinley in North America and Mount Elbrus in Europe) and stand on all 3 poles (the North and South Poles and the summit of Everest) within 7 months. He left Cardiff on 12 December 2010 on the centenary of the departure of the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition and completed the challenge on 12 July 2011, more than 2 weeks ahead of his self-imposed deadline.

Last year, he also became the first Welsh man and the fastest ever British person to ski solo, unsupported and unassisted to the South Pole. He is also a member of the Sport Wales board.