© Norman Kent / Barcroft Media
A team of daring skydivers have set an amazing world record for the biggest
ever formation of people in freefall while facing headfirst towards the
ground.
For full story and pictures:
Like a group of human darts heading straight for planet Earth 108 daredevil
jumpers simultaneously plummeted together in formation travelling at
break-neck speeds of an incredible 180 mph.
In a potentially lethal race against the clock participants had just 40
seconds of freefall from a dizzying 18,000 feet to find each other and
complete their formation.
Timing of the jaw-dropping event was so crucial they had just one-second
after linking together to break off and prepare for a safe landing. Jumpers
need to begin preparations for a safe touchdown at just 7,000 feet.
© Norman Kent / Barcroft Media
The breathtaking world record attempt was achieved on Friday at the Skydive
Chicago event in Ottawa, Illinois., USA.
Hurtling towards the surface of the planet like these highly trained extreme
sportspeople is known as freeflying.
© Norman Kent / Barcroft Media
Ecstatic Luis Prinetto, 30, who manages his own pressure-washer company,
said: “It feels amazing. The previous record was 69 people freeflying in
formation so we absolutely smashed it.
“One jumper got into trouble and it’s utter chaos up there so finding your
allocated slot in the formation can be very tough.
“Eventually he managed to make his way through the crowd and get into
position but it was really tight. We were nearing the lowest altitude we
could do it from so we were only able to hold it for a second before we
broke off to get ready for landing.
“We knew we had done it though and people were screaming with joy before we
even got to ground.”
© Norman Kent / Barcroft Media
Courageous team members jumped from five different planes and raced to join
the first jumpers who had started the centre of the formation below them.
To make sure all jumpers arrived at the same point in the air, those last to
leave the plane needed to accelerate to eye-blistering speeds of over 180mph
in order to catch up with their colleagues.
World air sports officials Federation Aeronautique International judged the
attempt and confirmed it as a record when the jumpers returned to their
base.
© Norman Kent / Barcroft Media
The 108 international freeflyers were carefully selected over a year of
qualifications from events around the world.
The final selection of expert jumpers performed preparatory jumps starting
on Wednesday and gradually built up to 108 in formation.
Venezuelan Luis, who lives in Florida, said: “Planning was everything.
“You can’t hear anything up there so once you are in the air you can’t
communicate.
“It all came down to knowing where your spot was and getting there after
fighting through dozens of bodies floating around you at 180mph.
“We all partied pretty hard on Friday night. It’s an amazing feeling.”
© Norman Kent / Barcroft Media
The stunning aerial photos were captured by expert photographer Norman Kent.
The 52-year-old is frequently hired by big movie producers to manage
high-altitude camerawork.
His latest films include Get Smart with luscious Anne Hathaway and action
man Steve Carell. American Kent was hired as Director of Aerial Photography.
Words by Liam Miller
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