The first explorer to reach the South Pole was Roald Amundsen, a Norwegian polar explorer. He achieved this historic feat on December 14, 1911, leading a well-prepared expedition that outpaced a rival team led by British explorer Robert Falcon Scott. Amundsen’s team relied on meticulous planning, effective use of sled dogs, and lessons learned from earlier Arctic explorations, which contributed to their success in navigating the harsh Antarctic conditions. Amundsen’s achievement not only marked a significant milestone in the age of exploration but also established him as a prominent figure in the history of polar exploration.