03/08/2026
Some performances deserve more than applause. They deserve to be remembered.
A huge congratulations to the incredible Sophie Woods on completing the fastest known time across the entire Alps, an astonishing journey of around 2,018km with over 117,000 metres of elevation gain, completed in just 28 days and 17 hours.
I first met Sophie at the Tor des Géants® in Sept 2025, where I had the privilege of photographing both the start of her journey and the emotion of her finish. It was clear then to me, this one is one smiling badass!
Just months later, I spent a week chasing her across Britain during the Montane Spine Race , in the depths of a bitterly cold January, documenting one of the toughest endurance races on the planet. Sophie went on to finish an incredible 9th overall and 3rd female, but what has stayed with me most wasn’t just her performance it was her attitude theoughout! 430km later and 10,700m - she again smashed it.
No matter the conditions, the fatigue or the relentless challenge ahead, she always seemed to carry an infectious positivity. Every time I saw her, she greeted people with a smile, kindness and quiet determination. That positivity never seemed to fade, and it’s something that has stayed with me ever since.
Now she’s written another chapter in an already remarkable story by setting the fastest known time across the Alps. This is HUGE
Three monumental endurance achievements in little UNDER a year, each demanding extraordinary courage, grit and belief.
Well done you KIWI endurance Queen 🫅
