How This RSAF Pilot Scaled The Triple Crown Of Norway At 27 Weeks Pregnant

Faced with a challenging pregnancy and a loss of identity, Fiona Lee, an RSAF pilot, decided to overcome all odds by conquering the Triple Crown of Norway when she was 27 weeks pregnant. Here’s her story.

If you’ve ever felt a loss of identity at the reality of becoming a parent, you’re not alone. The same rang true for Fiona Lee, an RSAF pilot who unexpectedly fell into a state of guilt and doubt, all exacerbated by a threatened miscarriage and bad pregnancy symptoms. Fiona then did the unexpected: instead of letting it continue to consume her, she decided to take control–by climbing the Triple Crown of Norway … all while 27 weeks pregnant!

For those who don’t know, the Triple Crown of Norway (sometimes also referred to as the Norway Big Three) refers to the three most iconic and beautiful hikes of the Norwegian Fjords: Trolltunga (28km), Pulpit Rock (also known as Preikestolen, 9km) and Kjeragbolten (11km). With steep inclines, tough terrains and unpredictable weather, the journey up to the three summits is known to be suitable for advanced hikers.

While awaiting the arrival of her firstborn, Fiona shared with us her inspirational story about why she undertook this challenge. She shares what it’s like to journey through the Triple Crown of Norway, as well as what it’s like to be a Mama-to-be pilot in the RSAF.

Read our past That Mama interviews here.

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

I am very lucky to be married to a loving husband, Shao Fei, whom I met while we were studying together in college. We’ve been together for ten years, and this year, we’re celebrating a significant milestone in which we’ll be welcoming a new addition to our family! She is due in a few weeks, and we’ve decided to name her Avril.

Individually, we are both highly driven in our pursuits. I am motivated by purpose and meaning, while Shao Fei is an all-rounder. We complement each other well as we share a passion for adventure and constantly seek out novel experiences around the world. With Avril joining us, we are thrilled to begin this new chapter to create cherished memories as a family of three!

What made you decide to travel to the Norwegian Big 3 on your 27th week of pregnancy?

It began from the way my pregnancy was conceived. Although I had been ready, I would have ideally wanted to defer family planning for a couple more years to prioritise my career but an unforeseen turn of events in my life took place last year when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. That was the tipping point for me and with the realisation that I did not have all the time in the world to delay this any longer, especially since my parents and in-laws have been pining for a grandchild for the longest time.

Things didn’t exactly go to plan after that as I felt inexplicably lost and vulnerable upon finding out that I was pregnant. Apart from all the usual pregnancy symptoms that hit me like a truck, I was confronted with a threatened miscarriage from the start of the pregnancy which made it all the more impossible for me to do all the things I loved and was used to being able to such as flying, watersports, having to stop going for my bike lessons. It was thus an abrupt loss of my sense of identity which I found to be difficult to cope with in such a short moment.

At the same time, I was afraid of judgement from the colleagues/people in my immediate vicinity at that juncture, and the implications that my pregnancy would have on my flying career which I had worked so hard for, giving me purpose in life and meant the world to me.

All of these added up to a lot of guilt as I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t the glowing and joyful mum (to-be). With these unfolding in the background, I was doubting whether I had the capabilities to take on this new role and care for a life that would be completely reliant on me. I wallowed in it for a long time, until one day, amidst my puking and fatigue, I simply couldn’t take it any longer and had sort of an epiphany that I wasn’t going to be able to make the situation better without mustering the courage to move past this.

I approached Shao Fei that night and told him that before our baby arrived, I would want to work towards a goal that would challenge me both mentally and physically – to allow me to regain my confidence, and to solidify the belief that I could still achieve the things that I put my mind to. He was all for it and I was so thankful that he was so supportive despite this being an unconventional venture to undertake during pregnancy.

That was how we decided to embark on the journey to summit the Norwegian Big Three (Triple Crown of Norway) while I was into my 27th week of pregnancy.

How did you prepare for the big adventure?

We were cognisant of the risks involved given that I was attempting this considerably strenuous endeavour at a pretty advanced stage in pregnancy. To summit the Norwegian Big Three, we projected that we had to trek a total of about 50km and climb 2,200m in total elevation gain. To put that into perspective, it is lengthier and with more elevation gain than the famed Inca trail to Machu Picchu which has a four-day itinerary. As such, we sought to mitigate these risks as best and as thoroughly as we could by making all possible preparations prior.

In terms of the physical preparations, we acclimatised ourselves locally largely by climbing Bukit Timah Hill progressively via the more intensive routes to the summit. During our hikes, we met many warm-hearted Singaporean hikers, including several elderly individuals who, despite their own challenges climbing the hill, cheerfully encouraged us when they saw my large baby bump. Contrary to the stereotype of Singaporeans being cold and aloof, their kindness and generosity uplifted our spirits and motivated us to push on. We also went on other hikes around MacRitchie Reservoir, Chestnut Nature Park and Dairy Farm Nature Park to accumulate mileage.

Another aspect is equipment preparation. We made many trips to Decathlon to get the right equipment for the hikes. This eventually paid off as our waterproof jackets and overpants kept us dry when we encountered a blizzard on the way to Trolltunga and our trusty trekking shoes made sure we did not slip in the snow. One thing we discovered was that hiking sticks are very useful as they help us with balance (godsend for an off-balanced, front-heavy, pregnant individual like me) and redirect some of the effort from the legs to the upper body.

Lastly, we mentally prepared ourselves by watching many YouTube videos on the hikes. This gave us valuable insights on the details to look out for such as the kind of terrain we would be presented with at various phases throughout the hikes, all of which guided us substantially in our preparation. It also inspired us to challenge our limits as we witnessed people from all walks of life summiting the Big 3 and proving that anything is possible.

What challenges did you face on the way to the summits?

Although this was a physically intensive endeavour, fatigue surprisingly turned out to be not a major concern (relative to other factors) partly due to the colder climate which reduced our levels of exhaustion from the heat. The main challenges we faced were the unpredictable weather and the difficult terrain. Weather in the mountains is notoriously fast-changing, where it can be sunny for a minute, then transition into a full-blown snowstorm/blizzard the next.

We had meticulously monitored the weather forecasts for Trolltunga throughout the week before our attempt, but despite our best efforts, we were hit by an intense blizzard halfway into the climb. Snow, rain, and strong gusts of winds battered us relentlessly and we were forced to seek shelter in an emergency hut at one point. The situation was exacerbated by the forecast predicting 100% fog at our estimated time of arrival of 5pm at Trolltunga.

This only added to our mental load and anxiety as we did not know if all our efforts we had put in thus far to catch a good glimpse of the view atop, especially after braving through all the elements, would end up fruitless. Walking through the snow was a daunting challenge too – unfamiliar and treacherous, with the constant fear of slipping.

Scaling Kjerag was the most challenging, with a slippery and steep ascent that surpassed even some of the toughest hikes we’ve read about. For a large part of the journey, we had to pull ourselves up using the chains installed along the trail. The final approach to the boulder required a small leap over a gap, which felt like a massive jump given the sheer drop below as the Kjerag boulder itself is precariously balanced between two cliffs, suspended above a 984-meter freefall down to the fjords. Every step had to be carefully calculated, making it really nerve-wracking.

At Pulpit Rock, receiving news just days before about a hiker who had tragically fallen just 150 meters from the summit made the experience even more sobering. The knowledge that someone had lost their life so close to the top weighed heavily on our minds, making every step feel more hazardous. It heightened our awareness of the risks, and we found ourselves treading more cautiously along the cliff edges.

At the end of the day, we had taken all of these climbs at our own comfortable pace (kudos to my husband for his patience as I trudged up slower In adjustment to my heavier pregnancy weight) as what mattered more was that we were able to make it safely back.

What were your first thoughts when you reached the top?

The adrenaline rush of finally reaching the top gave us a boost of energy as we felt our steps grow lighter and quicker. Finally coming to face with the familiar sights that we saw in pictures and videos countless times sent shivers down our spines. However, no pictures or videos could have justified the grandeur of the actual sights, and any worries we previously had dissipated and seemed insignificant as time stood still.

We were so thankful that there weren’t a lot of people during the time we were there. Thanks to the long summer day in Norway, we really hit the jackpot by taking our time and arriving to a quiet but still picturesque scene.

Personally, I was awash in emotions during the last few steps before reaching the top. From the moment we conceived this journey amidst the trials and struggles of my pregnancy, conquering Norway’s Big Three brought about a great sense of achievement. We had embarked on this to prove that nothing is insurmountable and that the body can achieve what the mind believes.

Yet, the greatest takeaway was the realisation that all storms will pass if we just have faith and keep moving forward. As we held each other tight at the edges of the cliffs, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards my other half as this journey would never have been possible without him. He had shouldered the heavy load, carrying all our sustenance and clothes, handled the packing and preparations for the hikes and the entire trip, and drove over 2,000 km to make sure we could see everything we wanted to.

Beyond that, he was my biggest cheerleader and caretaker, supporting me through every step—literally too—propping me up over all the hurdles and difficult bits. It felt bittersweet too knowing that this was the final time we were venturing out as just the two of us, and the culmination of this adventure marked the end of a chapter in our lives.

How do you feel about pregnancy and motherhood as you approach your due date?

It has truly been a whirlwind of emotions. This pregnancy has brought its share of hurdles, from multiple scares and false alarms of preterm labour to the worries of not being able to have the natural delivery I had always wanted when my baby stayed in breech position till week 36.

Despite these hurdles, I’ve been deeply touched by the kindness of those around me. Strangers have gone out of their way to help, such as readily offering their seats to me, cautioning me to watch my step, and a food operator who made me hot milo and refused to accept payment. These small gestures mean a lot to me and have reinforced my belief in the warmth and goodness of society.

At work, my colleagues have been exceptionally supportive and understanding, frequently checking in on me and buying me bird’s nest and chocolates as midday perk-me-ups. My trainees have been the loveliest bunch, offering to get me food and drinks to help me reduce movement, and writing me really sweet notes of encouragement.

As I approach my due date and prepare to progress into motherhood, I’ve been reflecting on some of the lessons I’ve learnt throughout the past months too. I think that it really pays to be aware of your environment in order to make conscious and deliberate decisions to surround yourself with positive people and things. In this critical yet very vulnerable phase where it can get lonely and isolating at times, it is so crucial too, to ring-fence your happiness and well-being as that impacts the life growing within you which you are wholly responsible for.

I didn’t fully subscribe to this at the start and found myself struggling with many sleepless nights when I was dealing with stressors both from my previous workplace and on the home front during the early stage of my pregnancy. It was made worse when that was compounded with the guilt I felt for not distancing myself from these earlier on and allowing them to potentially affect my baby. Hence, this has been one of my greatest personal takeaways.

Lastly, I learnt that it is imperative to proactively form your own support circle. I am immensely grateful to the friends whom have been patient with me in providing moral support and advice when I needed them, while respecting my boundaries. As Shao Fei and I savour our remaining time together before Avril arrives, I’m filled with hope and appreciation for the support that has carried us through this journey, and I look forward to being a beacon of support for others in the future.

What are you most looking forward to as a new mum-to-be?

Just the simple daily routines of feeding, changing nappies and putting Avril to sleep, really. Shao Fei and I believe that doing these consistently will be a great way to bond with our baby and our ultimate wish is for her to be healthy and happy.

Moreover, having known Shao Fei as a friend, boyfriend, fiancé and then husband across more than 10 years, I am very much looking forward too to experiencing another facet of him as a girl dad! He has been amazing in supporting me through my pregnancy and his nesting instincts are much stronger than mine. It is very sweet to see how he’s been so delighted and has been the one doing most of the preparations to welcome Avril.

It would indeed be exciting to see our daughter grow and develop through the different milestones in life. We can’t wait for the daily surprises that she will bring to our lives and the lessons she will teach us on parenthood!

Are there any misconceptions you’d like to debunk about being a working mom in the RSAF?

There is a stronger emphasis on having a human touch these days as compared to the past. Mindsets have evolved to become more progressive and people-centric and such changes are being driven by the highest level of leadership in the organisation.

In terms of contending with familial responsibilities while at work, I am extremely heartened that the current climate is one where it is no longer archaic. In fact, multiple initiatives which include the enhancement of policies, provision and upgrade of infrastructure for eg. more nursing rooms, and a robust mentor-mentee engagement network to facilitate open conversations and foster better communication have been rolled out in support of both motherhood and parenthood. Nonetheless, setting realistic expectations for career progression while balancing these responsibilities is essential.

I am very fortunate that the superiors and colleagues in my current workplace environment have been accommodative and promote flexibility in meeting one’s life cycle needs while ensuring that mission success is accomplished.

What’s the most rewarding part about your career as an RSAF pilot?

Having a bird’s eye view of Singapore whenever we are flying above is a vivid reminder of how our work directly safeguards our way of life and protects our loved ones. Everything and everyone we cherish is on this little island we call home, and being able to play a part in its defence brings profound fulfilment.

What adventures do you have planned next?

We’ve been eager to explore the Patagonia region and look forward to visiting with our baby soon! We’re especially excited about venturing out to the breathtaking landscapes of the Laguna de los Tres hike to Mt. Fitz Roy in El Chaltén, Argentina, and the challenging 120km O Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, which takes about eight days to complete.

If this proves too ambitious for us as new parents, we may opt for a journey on the Trans-Mongolian Railway to experience the vast, untouched wilderness. We relish these adventures and hope to instil a love for the outdoors and nature in our little one.

Quickfire questions:
As a mama I wish I were better at… handling domestic tasks such as cooking! I’m horrible at these and have been trying to improve on them so that I am able to better provide for my family.
I wish I had more time for… both my career and personal aspirations. It really is such a fine balance to have to strike between the two.
I always feel saner after… heading outdoors and being in touch with nature, whether it is out to sea or within the lush greenery of Singapore’s nature reserves.
I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about… our next adventure with our baby in tow…& when I can take to the skies again (very soon!!)
My favourite moment of the day is… feeling the cute kicks and jabs from within me, and quickly getting Shao Fei to feel it too (if he is nearby). Avril’s been getting stronger now so it does hurt when she pokes at certain areas, but Shao Fei and I wouldn’t trade these moments for the world.

A few days after we did this interview with Fiona, she gave birth to baby Avril. She shares that Avril was born on 1 September, which also happens to be RSAF Day (RSAF’s 56th Birthday)! Fiona is now focusing on recovery and her new life with her little bundle of joy.

Read our past That Mama interviews here.