Parks arrived at the South Pole, completing the first of three poles he will face during his seven-month race to climb the highest mountain on each of the world’s continents and venture to The South and Geographical North Poles.
Parks, who received a rousing send off from 74,500 rugby fans at the Millennium Stadium when Wales faced New Zealand in November, arrived at the pole at 6.10am UK time, 3.10am Chile time and 7.10pm local time on 27th December.
He remained on the South Pole, the southernmost point on the surface of the Earth, until January 1st to ensure he reaches all poles within the same calendar year – achieving the world record he has set his sights on.
The world’s three Poles are The South Pole, The Geographic North Pole and the summit of Everest.