TeenFX.com Interview with Sir Ranulph Fiennes

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Sir Ranulph Fiennes

What is your occupation?

I am an expedition leader and was the first person to reach both the North and South Poles. I hold the world record for the longest unassisted Polar crossing and I have also led many desert expeditions and discovered the lost Arabian city of Ubar.

Describe how you got into exploring?

I did not do well at exams and couldn't be a regular army officer (my career choice) so I went into expeditions instead. I went to school in South Africa and then to Eton in England. I was briefly in the SAS (Special Air Service) and then in the Sultan of Oman's Army, where I was awarded the Sultan's Bravery Medal.

What do you do that most appeals to teens?

I write books about expeditions. A lot of teenaged folk buy and read them. I also raise a lot of money for charities and I know teens are interested in good causes these days. To date I have raised more than $6 million for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

What's the hot news about your career?

Satellite technology now means film of expeditions can reach viewers on the web live. Currently, a friend of mine is the first female to attempt a Polar crossing. She started her expedition through the South Pole at the beginning of February.

What is wrong with teens today (in relation to your occupation)? and what do you suggest should change?

Teenagers can be put off expeditions these days because school leaders are fearful of taking school trips in case an accident leads to litigation. The Blame Culture should be made more difficult.

Tell us about a strange/weird experience you have encountered while working. Anything funny? A story with a moral?

I have done many things that people would consider strange or weird. Besides travelling to the Poles, and across deserts, I did travel by Hovercraft up the world's longest river. When I was a school boy I was very mischiefous and often climbed up our school's roof. I was frequently caught by the guards but it was good fun nonetheless.

Have you ever had a close call with death?

Numerous times, actually. When I was seconded to the Sultan's Armed Forces, I lead my unit into hostile territory. It was dark and I got us lost. Then, during my most recent expedition to the North Pole in 2000, I caught frost bites on my fingers and feet and came close to dying.

Do you have a special message to teens?

I am a motivational speaker for many celebrities and big-company CEOs, so I always have a special message. I think it is important to realise that one can achieve anything if one put's enough effort into the cause. I actually talk about that in great detail in one of my recent books: Beyond the Limits - The lessons learned from a lifetime's adventures.

TeenFX Comment:

The Guinness Book of Records has described Sir Ranulph Fiennes as "The World's Greatest living explorer". During the last 20 years his astonishing feats of physical and mental endurance have claimed 10 expeditionary world records.

Ranulph Fiennes Facts

He is the cousin of Joseph and Ralph Fiennes, both acclaimed Holywood actors (Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, The Avengers, Schindler's List). Sir Ranulph's family lines trace back directly to the Charlemangne, via several French and English Kings. His full name is Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes. His books include several bestsellers: The Feather Men, Living Dangerously, Hell on Ice, Mind over Matter, and several others.

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	Thomas	12-16-04

this guy is i would like to meet hoim some day. sike what a lame


	Anne	04-19-04

This is a really fascinating interview. This guy is an extrovert but what an interesting life.


	Michele	02-26-04

This man lives on the edge, sort of all or nothing. I read his book, Living Dangerously, and the title says it all. Look after yourself.


	Andrew	12-04-03

I saw you interviewed on TV during the NY Marathon in November. You must have great endurance. Take it !!


	Amy	02-15-03

Awesome interview. Finally something other than a music artist being interviewed.


	tracy	01-28-03

This was a article and very interesting.


	Raney	09-21-02

So 'n so so so so wonderful.He's so BERANI.Gw ngga' tau apa bhs Inggrisnya. SSS SSSEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEE UUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU GUYSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!


	Raney	09-21-02

So 'n so so so so wonderful.He's so BERANI.Gw ngga' tau apa bhs Inggrisnya. SSS SSSEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEE UUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU GUYSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!


	Raney	09-21-02

So 'n so so so so wonderful.He's so BERANI.Gw ngga' tau apa bhs Inggrisnya. SSS SSSEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEE UUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU GUYSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!


	Chassidy	08-21-02

THAT IS SO COOL


	dianne	08-08-02

Wow! What a talented family. I them all.


	Stephanie	07-14-02

I find you quite inspiring!


	Andrew	06-27-02

Your latest book, The Secret Hunters was the best. Now I am ready to read 'Living Dangerously'. Your life is full of interesting adventures. Where ever you are take care in your travels.


	CrYsTal	03-27-02

oh, I am sorry, I didn't know that this was SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS! (come on teenfx.com, where are the good interviews at like Ja Rule an DMX) Add a little bit more color to your interviews!)


	jessica	01-22-02

yeah man


	Reema	08-29-01

urrr... who arre u??


	Reema	08-29-01

urrr... who arre u??


	Chris	08-03-01

its amazing how many trips you do! and really encouraging for people who need that little extra push to achieve something. thanx!


	jake	07-09-01

You are awsome!!


	sarah	06-12-01

Well it sounds like you have done a lot!!! It would be really cool to be an explorer!


	TIM	04-25-01

If I had ever energy.,..I would challeng you someday...even though I know you would beat me accord the South pole lol.


	Ingunn	04-22-01

ok


	Star	03-11-01

Wow. That's really awesome how far you have gone by doing what you love. I'm sure you are quire an inspiration to to other young people. WHat kinda books do you write?


	jake	03-07-01

r u going on any more adventures soon? can i come too?


	KATIE	02-23-01

Shakespeare in Love was a cool movie and your cousin was the main character! You and your family are all famous in different fields.


	anna	02-21-01

Its cool that you are living proof of the message "one can achieve anything if one put's enough effort into the cuase." I hope that true becuase I put a lot of effort into my sport activities and it doesn't seem like its paying off yet. But I am not going to give up! Thanx!!!


	michael	02-20-01

you are quite a guy and a real adventurer. Do you spend much time at home doing the norm or are planning expeditions and heading off whenever the possibilitiy arises? Take care...have fun...and do come back to visit!!!!