In an era where imagination and adventure are usually limited to cable television, world explorer Tom Avery has built a career of taking on new frontiers and unknown regions with daring ease and unabashed enthusiasm.

A native of Sussex, England, Avery grew up in Brazil and France and has always considered the globe to be his personal playground. At five years old he (literally) started climbing bookcases, trees and eventually rock faces. At the 500-year-old Harrow School, Avery graduated onto hills and previously unknown mountains. Now, as one of only 41 people in history to have reached both the North and South poles on foot, Avery holds several world records including 'the fastest surface journey to the North Pole' as recorded in the 2009 Guinness Book of Records.

Inspired by the 100th anniversary of U.S. Naval Commander Robert Peary's controversial trek to the North Pole, Avery re-created the journey using the same techniques and equipment that was used a century ago. Not only did he and his team prove the viability of the expedition, but he actually shaved four hours off of the 37 day, 413 nautical mile journey. In the process, Avery and his team discovered original relics and tools from the 1909 mission. Avery's historical journey is the focus of his latest book, To the End of Earth, which was released in April 2009.

While a student of Bristol University, Avery's favorite subjects were geography and geology. Upon graduating from University, he began working as an accountant for Arthur Anderson. Eventually he left the corporate world to follow his passion for adventure. Now a noted keynote speaker, he encourages others to find new sources of adventure within their own lives. Avery's first book, Pole Dance, was published in 2005.

When not on an international trek, Avery can be found sailing, playing golf or planning his next expedition. At age 33, he has visited over 50 countries, tackled two ocean crossings and met the Queen. He is active in various charitable organizations including the Prince's Trust and is an ambassador for the 2012 London Olympic Games. He is also a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and a member of the Explorer Club in New York.

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