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Matt McFadyen

Matt McFadyen grew up in suburban Sydney fascinated by the mysteries of life beyond the confines of his home and familiar surroundings.

In December 2003, Matt McFadyen 'the adventurer' was born when, at the tender age of 22 years, he set sail for Antarctica in the company of five like-minded adventurers.

Taking a 43-foot yacht across the most dangerous ocean on earth was no easy task. Having to navigate fields of icebergs while beset by storms of mammoth intensity, Matt was forced to draw on every ounce of courage and perseverance he could muster as nature surely tested his resolve and that of his fellow adventurers.

The meticulous planning and preparatory work that had taken two years to complete paid off in January 2004 when Matt and the crew reached Commonwealth Bay Antarctica. For four days the hardy adventurers explored the pristine wilderness that is Antarctica. A life changing experience for any person let alone one so young as Matt.

On the return voyage Matt and the crew again experienced the raw force and power of nature. The small craft was pounded by a massive storm 550 nautical miles south of Tasmania. Waves of up to fifty feet high swept across the yacht knocking it over several times. The whole crew had to struggle for their life's as the waves continued to knock the boat over. This harrowing experience and the raw power of nature inspired and motivated Matt to further adventures.

He has since become the youngest Australian to ski to the North Pole unassisted, and only the second Australian to accomplish this amazing feat three times. In his second expedition, which he completed in April 2006, he had to negotiate one of the hardest Arctic seasons in years to reach the top of the world.

In 2008 Matt again returned to the North Pole as an expedition guide. With fellow guide Eric Philips and two others the team battled temperatures of minus 35 and incredibly difficult ice conditions throughout their entire expedition.

When not exploring the Polar Regions Matt makes his living as one of the countries most sought after motivational speakers. His presentations focus on his years of exploring the end's of the earth and the hardships and lessons learnt while pitting himself against some of the most extreme conditions this planet has to offer. Matt's presentations come complete with some of the most stunning visuals you will encounter.

As a young adventurer, speaker and leader Matt is second to none. His achievements at such a young age are testimony to his hard work and motivation.