Ann Bancroft is an American adventurer who is well-known for
her successful expeditions to the Artic and Antarctic.
Bancroft was born September 29, 1955 in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
She loved the outdoors even as a young child, and spent her time exploring the Minnesota wilderness.
When she was growing up, her father took her on canoe and camping trips. At the
age of eight, Bancroft started her own winter camping expeditions with her
cousins.
As a child, Anne Bancroft struggled with dyslexia; however,
she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from
the University of
Oregon. Bancroft then
taught physical and special education in Minneapolis,
Minnesota. During that time, she
also coached various high school sports, including wilderness education and
gymnastics.
A Woman of Many
Firsts
In 1986, Anne Bancroft left her teaching position in Minnesota to join the
"Will Steger International North Pole Expedition". After 56 days, Bancroft and
five others arrived in the North Pole by dogsled. In successfully completing
the expedition, Bancroft became the first woman to reach the North Pole by sled
and on foot.
In 1992, Bancroft led the first women's crossing of Greenland. The following year, Bancroft led three other
women on a 67-day, 660-mile skiing expedition to the South Pole. The journey
was funded by the American Women's Expedition, and earned the distinction of
being the first group of women to reach the South Pole on skis. Bancroft's achievements later led to her induction into the United States
National Women's Hall of Fame.
Where is She Now?
Along with her friend and fellow teacher, Liv Arnesen, Ann
Bancroft founded the Bancroft Arnesen Explore (BAE). According to the
organizations website, the BAE is a non-profit organization that aims to
"inspire people, particularly women and girls, to follow their dreams". Since
the foundation of the BAE, the two women have traveled around the world to
share their stories through presentations, films, and workshops.
Ann Bancroft has become an international figure. Her
expeditions have been tracked by major news networks across the globe, and she
has been featured in magazines ranging from beauty magazines to Sports Illustrated and National Geographic.
According to her website, Bancroft is a spokesperson for the
Learning Disabilities Association, Wilderness Inquiry, and the Girl Scouts of
America. She also serves on the board for various youth and women's
organizations.
Resources:
http://www.yourexpedition.com/ann_bancroft
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Bancroft
http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php?action=viewone&id=16
http://www.yourexpedition.com/about_bae
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