DEFENDER TROPHY: New Zealands Lily Hilary is one of the chosen finalists

Adventure International

Defender has revealed the finalists for the inaugural Defender Trophy, with competitors from around the world ready to take on the ultimate challenge, one is Kiwi Lily Hilary (Name sound familar - it should she is Sir Ed's Grand Daughter (And Daughetr of Peter Hilary).

The 36 National Winners qualified via ten regional events, with competitors selected from more than 23,000 applicants. With people coming from all walks of life. Astronauts. Filmmakers. Firefighters. Now, they head to Africa for the Global Final. They will face epic challenges, test their mettle and prove their off-road skills.

Defender Trophy is a new kind of epic adventure with a greater purpose. It marks the original British adventure brand’s return to global challenge events, 45 years since the original concept was launched. Honouring its rugged heritage, Defender Trophy will create a new generation of intrepid pioneers.

The Global Final later this year spans 3,000 kilometres. Three countries. Five purpose-led projects. Competitors will provide vital hands-on support, creating a long-lasting legacy alongside our conservation partner, Tusk.

Paddy McGillycuddy, Global Managing Director, Defender, said: “This is a new era for Defender, creating a new epic adventure inspired by the legacy of Trophy events of the past. The Global Final is a celebration of everyone who has been a part of Defender Trophy so far. Our finalists are courageous and ambitious, with a desire to give back and make a difference. These are not pure athletes; they are from all walks of life and have an insatiable thirst for adventure.”

THE FINALISTS

APAC: Lily Hillary

Australia: Glen Wimberley, Louise McNair

China: Shi Zeyuan, Wang Xuanyi, Zhu Weiqiang

EU: Mathilde Vougny, Max Ferrer, Marc Offenbacher, Michele Nava, Henri Steyaert, Niels Vaandrager, Tobias Wernik, Pavel Paloncy, Mert Becce, Simon Kessler, Ozbe Steblaj, Patrik Sandell, Dimitrios Kleon Papdimitriou, Bartosz Kolaczkowski, Patrycja Woszczek

Japan: Naoki Imamura

MENA: Craig Saunders, Julie Millasseau, Khaled Ahmad AlShaker

North America: Nathaniel Biggs, Tirin Cameron, Adrian Kowryha, Andrew Leveille, Sarah Gillis

South America: Emiliano Flores, Luis Eduardo Aceituno

South Africa: Lance Kime, Isabelle Roux

Taiwan: Antony Tsai, Louie Wu

 

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