Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team of four others became the first people to reach the geographic South Pole. Amundsen's expedition used skis and dog sleds, which proved to be a superior method of travel compared to his rival, British explorer Robert Falcon Scott, who relied on motorized sledges and ponies. Amundsen's successful return and Scott's tragic death on the return journey captivated the world. The event marked the end of the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.' It demonstrated the importance of meticulous planning and adapting to extreme environments, and it established Norway as a leader in polar science and exploration. Today, the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station serves as a permanent research facility in honor of both men.