104-Year-Old Chicago Woman Breaks Skydiving Record
Dorothy Hoffner, a courageous 104-year-old woman from Chicago, has set her sights on breaking more records in the future. On Sunday, she made a tandem jump in northern Illinois, hoping to be certified by Guinness World Records as the oldest person to ever skydive. Hoffner, who believes that age is just a number, captured the hearts of the crowd as she landed at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa.
The current Guinness World Record for the oldest skydiver is held by 103-year-old Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson from Sweden, who achieved the feat in May 2022. However, Skydive Chicago is working diligently to have Hoffner’s jump certified as a record. This wasn’t Hoffner’s first skydiving adventure; she first took the leap when she was 100 years old.
When Hoffner first started skydiving, she needed some assistance getting out of the aircraft. But on Sunday, with the help of a certified instructor from the US Parachute Association, she confidently led the jump from 13,500 feet. As the plane ascended and the door opened, Hoffner gazed upon the picturesque crop fields below. She fearlessly tumbled out of the plane, completing a perfect forward roll before settling into a stable freefall position.
The exhilarating dive lasted for seven minutes, including the slow descent under Hoffner’s parachute. A gentle breeze pushed her white hair back as she gracefully landed on the grassy landing area. Friends rushed to congratulate her, and someone retrieved her trusty red walker. Unfazed by her accomplishment, Hoffner rose quickly and expressed her joy at being back on the ground. She couldn’t help but describe her skydiving experience as wonderful.
Dorothy Hoffner’s incredible feat showcases the boundless spirit and determination that can defy age. As she continues to inspire others with her determination to break records, she proves that age is truly just a number.
