A 104-year-old is aiming to break the world record for oldest skydiver!
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No matter how old we are, finding new things and having fun is always important. Here at SDC, we believe everyone should chase their dreams.
Take Dorothy Hoffner as an example. She's about to turn 105 and still enjoys her life to the fullest!
Hoffner aims to become the oldest person to skydive after she left her walker on the ground and made a tandem jump in northern Illinois.
‘Age is just a number,’ Hoffner reassured her cheering crowd, moments after touching the ground on Sunday as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
Nearly anyone in good health, including seniors over 80, can experience a Tandem skydive, as indicated in the Skydive in Sydney FAQ. Image source: Social media (@kake.news)
Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson from Sweden, who is 103 years old, currently holds the Guinness World Record for oldest skydiver.
However, Skydive Chicago (a privately owned, public-use airport) is striving to secure a Guinness World Record certification for Hoffner's jump, as reported by WLS-TV.
Hoffner started skydiving at 100. On Sunday, she left her walker by the plane and was helped up the steps to join others waiting to skydive.
‘Let’s go, let’s go, Geronimo!’ Hoffner said when she sat down.
In Hoffner’s first skydive, she needed a push out of the plane. But this time, tied to a certified instructor, she wanted to lead the jump from 4,115 metres.
Hoffner apparently stayed calm as the plane ascended, and the rear door revealed fields below. Just before the jump, she positioned herself at the edge, executed a forward roll, and soared belly-down.
The seven-minute dive concluded with a gentle parachute descent.
As Hoffner landed, the wind pushed back her white hair. Holding onto the straps over her slender shoulders, she lifted her legs and softly touched down on the grassy area.
Her friends rushed towards her cheering, while someone brought her walker. She was then promptly asked how it felt to be back on the ground.
‘Wonderful,’ Hoffner said. ‘But it was wonderful up there. The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better.’
After the jump, Hoffner was already thinking about what's next. As a proud 104-year-old hitting 105 in December, she's considering a laid-back hot air balloon ride for her next adventure.
‘I’ve never been in one of those,’ she said.
Do you remember Irene O’Shea?
In 2018, the Australian skydiver achieved a historic feat as the oldest skydiver at 102 years old.
This marked O’Shea’s third jump, and her first leap took place on her 100th birthday to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association SA, as reported by the Australian Parachute Federation.
Motivated by the loss of her daughter to Motor Neurone Disease, she passionately supported the charity.
During an episode of ABC’s You Can’t Ask That, O’Shea described her record-breaking tandem jump from 4,267 metres as a ‘remarkable’ and ‘unbelievable’ experience.
In 2022, at the age of 105 years and 356 days, O’Shea passed away.
Members, what's your take on this story? Does the idea of skydiving resonate with you as something you'd like to experience at least once in your life? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Editor's note: Sadly, days after Dorothy's amazing feat, she passed away 'peacefully in her sleep'. Our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones.
Take Dorothy Hoffner as an example. She's about to turn 105 and still enjoys her life to the fullest!
Hoffner aims to become the oldest person to skydive after she left her walker on the ground and made a tandem jump in northern Illinois.
‘Age is just a number,’ Hoffner reassured her cheering crowd, moments after touching the ground on Sunday as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
Nearly anyone in good health, including seniors over 80, can experience a Tandem skydive, as indicated in the Skydive in Sydney FAQ. Image source: Social media (@kake.news)
Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson from Sweden, who is 103 years old, currently holds the Guinness World Record for oldest skydiver.
However, Skydive Chicago (a privately owned, public-use airport) is striving to secure a Guinness World Record certification for Hoffner's jump, as reported by WLS-TV.
Hoffner started skydiving at 100. On Sunday, she left her walker by the plane and was helped up the steps to join others waiting to skydive.
‘Let’s go, let’s go, Geronimo!’ Hoffner said when she sat down.
In Hoffner’s first skydive, she needed a push out of the plane. But this time, tied to a certified instructor, she wanted to lead the jump from 4,115 metres.
Hoffner apparently stayed calm as the plane ascended, and the rear door revealed fields below. Just before the jump, she positioned herself at the edge, executed a forward roll, and soared belly-down.
The seven-minute dive concluded with a gentle parachute descent.
As Hoffner landed, the wind pushed back her white hair. Holding onto the straps over her slender shoulders, she lifted her legs and softly touched down on the grassy area.
Her friends rushed towards her cheering, while someone brought her walker. She was then promptly asked how it felt to be back on the ground.
‘Wonderful,’ Hoffner said. ‘But it was wonderful up there. The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better.’
After the jump, Hoffner was already thinking about what's next. As a proud 104-year-old hitting 105 in December, she's considering a laid-back hot air balloon ride for her next adventure.
‘I’ve never been in one of those,’ she said.
Do you remember Irene O’Shea?
In 2018, the Australian skydiver achieved a historic feat as the oldest skydiver at 102 years old.
This marked O’Shea’s third jump, and her first leap took place on her 100th birthday to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association SA, as reported by the Australian Parachute Federation.
Motivated by the loss of her daughter to Motor Neurone Disease, she passionately supported the charity.
During an episode of ABC’s You Can’t Ask That, O’Shea described her record-breaking tandem jump from 4,267 metres as a ‘remarkable’ and ‘unbelievable’ experience.
In 2022, at the age of 105 years and 356 days, O’Shea passed away.
Editor's note: Sadly, days after Dorothy's amazing feat, she passed away 'peacefully in her sleep'. Our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones.
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