Centenarian from Chicago Skydives, Eyes Global Record for Oldest Skydiver

A woman from Chicago, aged 104, is in the process of seeking validation as the most senior individual to ever undertake a skydiving jump. She left her walking aid on terra firma to partake in a tandem skydive in the northern part of Illinois.

Dorothy Hoffner proclaimed, “Age is merely a numerical representation,” to an applauding audience shortly after her safe return to earth. The event occurred at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, situated approximately 85 miles (or 140 kilometers) in the southwest direction from Chicago, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune.

Skydive Chicago is presently coordinating with Guinness World Records to recognize Hoffner’s skydive as a new world record, as disclosed by WLS-TV. The standing record for the oldest skydiver was established in May 2022 by Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson of Sweden, who was 103 years old at the time.

Hoffner initially experienced skydiving four years prior, at the age of 100. This Sunday, she left her mobility aid near the aircraft, a Skyvan, and was assisted up the stairs to take her place among the others awaiting their turn to skydive.

“Proceed, let’s proceed, Geronimo!” exclaimed Hoffner once she was securely seated within the aircraft.

Upon her initial skydiving experience, Hoffner revealed that she had to be forcibly ejected from the plane. However, this Sunday, while secured to an instructor certified by the U.S. Parachute Association, Hoffner took the initiative to lead the plunge from an altitude of 13,500 feet (approximately 4,100 meters).

Exhibiting composure and assurance, Hoffner seemed unperturbed as the plane reached its designated altitude and the rear door opened, revealing far-reaching tan crop fields below. Moments before the jump, she moved towards the plane’s edge and made her daring exit, executing a flawless forward roll before stabilizing in a freefall position with her abdomen facing earthward.

The entire skydiving venture lasted seven minutes, which includes the unhurried descent facilitated by her parachute. As she neared landing, wind swept back Hoffner’s white locks of hair; she grasped the harness that crossed her slender shoulders, lifted her legs, and softly touched down on a grassy landing zone.

Her friends immediately converged to offer their congratulations, and her red walker was promptly returned to her. When asked about her feelings upon landing, Hoffner responded, “Magnificent. The entire experience was simply magnificent.”

With her recent accomplishment behind her, Hoffner’s thoughts swiftly turned toward forthcoming challenges. The lifelong resident of Chicago, who is slated to celebrate her 105th birthday in December, expressed interest in perhaps boarding a hot-air balloon for her next adventure.

“I have never experienced that before,” she noted.

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More about Oldest Skydiver

• Chicago Tribune Coverage of Dorothy Hoffner’s Skydive
• WLS-TV Report on Hoffner’s Record Attempt
• Guinness World Records Official Site
• U.S. Parachute Association Certification Information
• Skydive Chicago’s Official Website