In a breathtaking tale of courage, 31-year-old Fiona Lee, a pilot with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), faced her fears at 27 weeks pregnant—on top of a Norwegian mountain!

In June 2024, Fiona found herself precariously perched on a boulder at Kjerag mountain in southern Norway. Navigating the rocky terrain was a test of balance, especially with her growing baby bump. "There was definitely a mental barrier to cross," she shared, but once she gazed upon the stunning views that had previously only existed in photographs, her trepidation melted away.

Word of Fiona's adventurous spirit caught the attention of Leif Trana, Norway's Ambassador to Singapore, who invited her to share her incredible journey over tea. Enthusiastically, Fiona recounted her thrilling 10-day expedition that included conquering three majestic mountains.

While Pulpit Rock proved to be a manageable hike, the demanding trails of Trolltunga and Kjerag required strength and stamina, especially as the latter involved climbing with cables and chains. Fortunately, Fiona’s extensive military experience helped her tackle these challenges with relative ease.

Fiona's motivation behind this adventure? To demonstrate that nothing is insurmountable. "Even during life transitions, we should embrace our passions and maintain our identities," she stated confidently, underscoring her commitment to safety during the trip.

Ambassador Trana praised Fiona’s resilience, saying, "What you accomplished while seven months pregnant is truly inspiring. Balancing motherhood and an unconventional career is phenomenal." Their meeting ended with Fiona gifting him an RSAF patch, while he presented her with a charming glass polar bear figurine.

Fiona's path to motherhood was influenced by personal challenges—her mother's cancer diagnosis compelled her to embrace pregnancy after years of prioritizing her career as a military pilot. However, this life-changing event also brought uncertainties, particularly about her flying future post-baby.

"Flying has defined my life, and I feared losing that part of me," she admitted. As a C-130 Hercules pilot, Fiona had conducted critical missions worldwide, but impending motherhood made her anxious about the sacrifices ahead.

Determined to quell her fears, Fiona meticulously prepared for her Norwegian adventure. With Norway's long summer days and advanced medical facilities, she felt it was the perfect destination. Analyzing over 30 YouTube videos of mountain trekkers, she planned their schedule to ensure safe climbs before dark.

As she reached each peak, tears of joy filled her eyes. "The greatest lesson was understanding that all storms will pass if you continue to move forward with faith," she reflected. Fiona hopes her daughter, Avril, born on September 1—an RSAF Day baby—will inherit her parents' zest for travel and the great outdoors.

The family plans to revisit Norway, skipping the hiking but substituting it with karting, sledding, and making snow angels, aiming to instill a love for adventure in Avril from an early age.

Now on maternity leave, Fiona is dedicated to the beautiful chaos of motherhood, embracing the joy and unpredictability it brings. "There's a new dimension to life, and Avril has taught us the true meaning of love and strength. Adventure doesn’t end with having a baby; it begins anew!"