POSITIVE ATTITUDE

In his interview with Mercedes-Benz, brand ambassador and extreme adventurer MIKE HORN reveals his view of social distancing through the lens of opportunity, and emphasises the need to “stay positive, stay motivated and live for today!”

- KC YAP

THE WORLD IS FIRMLY IN THE GRIP OF the crisis triggered by the coronavirus. In many countries, there are lockdowns or strict bans on coming into contact with others. How are people to deal with the social isolation that has suddenly been imposed? Is lack of contact with friends and acquaintances only a source of stress? Or can social distancing also make our lives better?

Mike Horn is convinced that the latter is true. The long-time brand ambassador of Mercedes-Benz and Laureus Sport for Good is acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest modern-day adventurer-explorers. He also works as a speaker and coach.

Mike has undertaken exceptional feats of endurance, determination and courage, extending the boundaries of human achievement. Since 1997, he has accomplished a series of world-first and ground-breaking expeditions, such as Pole2Pole, a three-year circumnavigation of the globe via the South and North Poles including ocean crossings and overland expeditions, and Drive to K2, powered by the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Together with his team, Mike drove across a total of 13 countries from Switzerland to Pakistan, covering more than 10,500km in 15 days, in order to ultimately ascend K2, the world’s second highest mountain. He also completed Amazon, a six-month solo crossing of the South American continent on foot and by means of the riverboarding sport known as hydrospeed.

And in January 2020, just a few weeks after his return from an Arctic expedition, the South African-born Swiss adventurer took part in the Dakar Rally for the first time, serving as navigator for the french Enduro and rally driver Cyril Despres.