95-year-old becomes the oldest to visit the North Pole, skis to achieve bucket list dream

When Richard “Dick” Eitel (USA, b. 17 December 1929) was younger, he always dreamt of visiting the North Pole. 

The nonagenarian is an active athlete, who enjoys playing tennis, cross-country skiing, and spending time with his loved ones. But he never got a chance to reach the northernmost point in the world… until his family decided they would accompany him to check off that elusive goal on his bucket list.

Last month, Dick became the official Guinness World Records title holder for the oldest person to visit the North Pole, after travelling thousands of miles on the ship Le Commandant Charcot to reach the infamous 90°N location of the pole. 

As verified on 10 August, Dick was 95 years and 236 days old when he took the title from Edward Stahl (USA, b. 6 October 1931) – who was 90 years and 334 days old when he made the trek on 6 September 2022.

Accompanying Dick were five family members, including his granddaughter Alexandra, who helped plan his dream. They organized travel plans, secured safety precautions, and submitted evidence to Guinness World Records, to finally help their beloved grandfather achieve his goal.

Upon arrival at the North Pole, Dick celebrated with the ship’s captain – Patrick Marchesseau – and his family, who were thrilled to see how excited he was. They took some pictures on board before preparing to enter the frozen wasteland, where Dick would ski around the slick ice floes and across crunchy snow.

Then, Dick suited up to enter the tundra, sliding on a warm jacket and pants to begin his cross-country ski at the top of the world.

He crossed ice floes and the bitter terrain, using his skis to propel himself across the slushy surfaces as he took in all the sights of the north – including mountains of snow that bobbed in the frigid waters, and a grey horizon that faded into the endless sheets of white ice.

And despite the freezing temperatures and unusual workout, we’re sure that Dick felt exhilarated to finally see the North Pole, and to check off the long-awaited item off his bucket list alongside his family and loved ones.

Congratulations to Dick, and his entire family – you are Officially Amazing!