Biggest skydiving formation-US skydivers sets
world record
OTTAWA, IL, USA -- Jumping from an altitude
of 5,500m, 108 daredevils linked up at 180mph (290km/h)
while facing headfirst towards the ground and setting the
world record for the biggest
ever formation of people in headfirst freefall.
Five planes were used by the divers, who
jumped out at 18,000ft, to beat the previous best of 69. Photo:
Norman Kent
(enlarge
photo)
The breathtaking world record attempt was
achieved at the Skydive Chicago event in Ottawa, Illinois.
The 108 international freeflyers were carefully
selected over a year of qualifications from events around
the world.
First the skydivers had to get up there.
Then, still above the cloud level, they began to clump together
and hold hands in an insane, upside down version of hokey-cokey.
Each skydiver then had only a second after breaking away before
preparing for a safe touchdown at around 7,000ft.
Jumping from 18,000ft, they had just 40
seconds to complete their formation before a parachute landing
near Chicago, USA. Diver Luis Prinetto, 30, said: "We were
screaming with joy before we got to the ground."
The stunning aerial photos were captured
by expert photographer Norman Kent. The 52-year-old is frequently
hired by film producers to manage high-altitude camerawork.
