CH Students Inspired by Record-Breaking Adventurer Linda Blakely

Students from Christ’s Hospital’s Athlete Development and Expeditionary Education programmes were treated to an unforgettable talk this week by Linda Blakely, the school’s Ambassador of Expeditionary Education and an extraordinary endurance athlete.

A member of the Great Britain Triathlon Team, Linda recently returned from the 2025 Marathon des Sables, widely known as the toughest footrace on Earth. Running over 250km across the Sahara Desert in scorching conditions, she completed the race in an incredible 33 hours and 36 minutes, finishing 12th among women and 114th overall out of more than 1,000 international competitors.

In her talk, Linda shared not only the physical and mental challenges of the race, but also her wider journey as the only woman in the world to have both climbed Mount Everest and rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her message of resilience, courage, and relentless determination deeply resonated with students preparing for their own physical and personal challenges.

Linda’s story continues to inspire a spirit of adventure and ambition at Christ’s Hospital, reminding all who heard her speak that no goal is beyond reach with the right mindset.