A Triathlon at the Top of the World: Ed Ball’s Arctic Adventure at 91
Written by Sebastián E. Encina, Associate Director of Curation & Exhibition
Virginia and Ed Ball at the North Pole (1996)
In 1996, Ed and Virginia Ball flew to Murmansk, Russia where they boarded the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker, the Yamal. Ed had hoped to reach the 90th parallel on his 90th birthday but settled instead for searching for the 91st parallel on his 91st birthday (reports are inconclusive as to whether he ever found it). Inspired as a young lad by the polar explorations of Roald Amundsen, Frederick Cook, Robert Peary, and others, Ed had always hoped to visit the North Pole. In the 1990s—decades after first reading about those adventures—Ed finally had his chance!
Hoping to do more than just visit the North Pole, Ed and Virginia planned many of their own activities. Even though they traveled in July, they prepared for their annual holiday card by bringing a banner wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from the North Pole (see below). They participated in the daily lectures and land excursions, being careful not to run into polar bears. They visited local villages and relics of the past, such as memorials to lost explorers, old campsites, and the remains of a Stalin-era gulag. They were passengers on helicopter rides and toured the Yamal crew’s stations for steering and navigating a ship of that size.
Ed Ball’s “North Pole International Short Course Triathlon”
Intent on accomplishing more, Ed also made plans to complete a triathlon! Prior to departure, he inquired about the limits of his checked luggage. He found that he was allowed to bring a 30-pound folding bicycle. With that, Ed was ready to participate in the race.
On July 13, Ed had his opportunity to be the sole participant of his “North Pole International Short Course Triathlon” and become the Over 90 Champion. When the party arrived at the North Pole, Ed and Virginia jogged around the pole crossing all 24 time zones. Next, he unfolded the bicycle and rode around the pole. And then, in a feat of bravery—or madness—Ed changed into diving gear and plunged into the icy waters.
While they were at the North Pole, Ed noted that the weather was pleasant—hovering between 30°F and 40°F during their stay. Since it was summer, they also had 24 hours of sunlight, keeping the temperature relatively stable. However, even at those temperatures, the water was still incredibly cold. Ed’s letters do not go into detail on how long he remained submerged or how far in he went, but we do know he completed this portion of the race.
When Ed finished with his swimming, cycling, and running at the North Pole, he received a certificate confirming his acts. In honor of his achievement, Yamal Captain Andrey Smirnov also presented Ed with an engraved ceremonial key to the North Pole.
In letters to friends, family, and colleagues, Ed boasted about his accomplishments—proud that he was able to partake in such a feat! He even joked that his deed should make it into the Guinness Book of World Records.
When asked why he went to the North Pole, Ed said, “Curiosity; it’s a challenge, different and exciting. The Arctic Ocean is the last frontier. It’s mysterious, it’s awesome, it’s history of explorations and discoveries fascinating.”
Virginia and Ed’s Holiday Card from 1996
Inspired by the Arctic?
Ed Ball’s North Pole adventure reminds us of the enduring human fascination with the mysteries of the frozen north. If you’re curious to explore more about life in the Arctic, be sure to visit our newest exhibition, Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend. Dive into the science, stories, and cultural significance of these extraordinary Arctic whales.
