Shackleton
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“What’s happening at both poles is now front page news. It’s everyone’s duty to protect them.”
- Hon. Alexandra Shackleton
Polar protection is a global priority. What happens at the poles affects us all, and every year the urgency becomes clearer.
The Shackleton Medal shines a light on the activists, scientists, explorers and communicators stepping forward to make a difference - individuals showing the courage, determination, ingenuity and leadership that defined Shackleton himself.
For this 5th edition of the Shackleton Medal we are proud to announce that the 2026 shortlisted nominees are:
Dominik Bahlburg
Ellen Bowler
Anzhelika Hanchuk
Susana Hancock
Denise Lanau
Sara Olsvig
Romain Troublé
The winner of the Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions will be announced in June.
Shackleton has joined forces with Defender, equipping them with Official Expedition Apparel for the FIA World Rally Raid Series. The collection has been designed to equip drivers, mechanics and crew with expedition grade technical apparel to support human performance in extreme conditions.
Tested to extremes by the Defender Rally W2RC Team.
Ready for your next mission.
19/05/2026
📍 South Georgia, 1916
On this day, 19 May 1916, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Frank Worsley and Tom Crean set out to cross the uncharted, glaciated interior of South Georgia in a final bid to save their stranded men.
Just a week earlier, the James Caird had reached King Haakon Bay after 17 days battling monstrous waves, freezing spray and exhaustion. After enduring thirst, cold and near loss of the Caird to the night tide, the men found brief shelter before facing another challenge: crossing a mountainous island with no map, minimal equipment and barely enough strength to continue.
With nails hammered into their boots as crampons, driftwood walking sticks and three days’ rations stuffed into socks, the trio began their climb beneath a full moon.
Theirs was a journey into the unknown – glacier fields, hidden precipices, freezing mist and no trails to follow. They navigated like sailors through snow, calling “starboard!” and “port!” as they pushed forward.
Today, we remember this remarkable act of leadership, improvisation and endurance.
Shackleton chose the difficult path and in doing so, gave his men a chance at survival.
Photographs taken by , who last year, alongside and the team from , attempted to retrace Shackleton’s route through South Georgia. Despite modern equipment and mapping technology, the team could not complete the full route, highlighting just how extraordinary Shackleton’s original traverse truly was.
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