In a truly awe-inspiring feat of courage and resilience, a remarkable 104-year-old woman has defied the odds and soared to new heights, breaking the world record for the oldest person to take a thrilling leap from the heavens. Dorothy Hoffner, a living testament to the indomitable human spirit, achieved this remarkable milestone by fearlessly plunging from a staggering altitude of 13,500 feet above the breathtaking landscape surrounding Skydive Chicago Airport in Ottawa. The world watched in amazement as she defied gravity, setting a precedent for adventure enthusiasts of all ages.
Skydive Chicago is now diligently working to ensure that Dorothy's daring seven-minute freefall is officially recognized and documented by the venerable Guinness World Records. This monumental achievement is poised to forever etch Dorothy's name in the annals of history.
Up until this daring escapade, the title of the oldest skydiver was held by Linnea Ingegard Larsson of Sweden, who set the previous record in May 2022. Dorothy's feat, however, has eclipsed this milestone and serves as a beacon of inspiration to people across the globe.
This audacious jump was not Dorothy's maiden experience in the exhilarating world of skydiving. Remarkably, she first embraced the thrill of the skydive at the ripe age of 100. During her centennial adventure, she was given a gentle nudge from the aircraft to initiate her descent. But for her most recent attempt, Dorothy was determined to seize full control of her descent, proving once and for all that age is merely a number.
As she gracefully descended from the heavens, Dorothy couldn't contain her enthusiasm, shouting from the skies, "Age is just a number!" Her zest for life and unwavering determination have inspired countless individuals around the world.
Dorothy Hoffner, who will mark her 105th birthday in December, shared her sentiments with local reporters, exclaiming, "It was a truly splendid experience up there. The entire adventure was a delightful masterpiece, simply unparalleled."
With an undying spirit of adventure, Dorothy now has her sights set on another thrilling escapade--a serene journey aboard a hot-air balloon. "I've never had the pleasure of being in one of those," she said with a twinkle in her eye.
Skydive Chicago proudly showcased Dorothy's record-breaking achievement in a heartwarming video, captioning it, "Trading walkers for parachutes. It was a privilege to assist our 104-year-old friend, Dorothy Hoffner, in her quest to become the OLDEST PERSON in the world to EVER skydive! She reminded all of us this past Sunday that age is merely a number, and the beauty of life is just a leap away."
In her modest way, Dorothy attributed her remarkable longevity and happiness to a simple philosophy, sharing, "I'm just naturally inclined to be laid-back. I've never pushed myself to an extent where it caused me stress. So, I don't necessarily recommend my approach to others, but it has certainly worked for me." Her words serve as a poignant reminder that life's greatest adventures can be embraced at any age, and that, indeed, "age is no barrier" to pursuing one's dreams.
Â
Read special news: