NEWPORT adventurer Richard Parks has been in Norway braving a very fast challenge.

The ex-Wales and Dragons star was in Lillehamer, Norway to do a skeleton run. Skeleton is a type of sled where you lie on your stomach with your head first.

In January, Mr Parks reached the South Pole recording the fastest ever solo, unsupported journey there by a Brit. After spending the morning with Norway junior champion Simon Kjetlien Brennhaug, he tackled the Olympic course on Monday and reached a top speed of 97.2kmh.

The challenge was part of car manufacturer, Mazda’s Real Challengers campaign, where Mr parks presented a number of interviews with people who have defied convention and shown outstanding courage and determination. As part of the campaign, members of the public were encouraged to vote for a challenge for Mr Parks to complete, which ended up being the skeleton.