Chicago Woman, 104, Skydives from Plane, Aiming for Record as the World’s Oldest Skydiver.
OTTAWA, Ill. – Displaying unwavering determination and a zest for life, a 104-year-old Chicago woman is vying to be recognized as the oldest person ever to skydive, following her recent tandem jump in northern Illinois.
Dorothy Hoffner, who hails from Chicago, made the daring leap at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, located approximately 85 miles (140 kilometers) southwest of Chicago, leaving her walker on the ground. Moments after safely touching down, she addressed an enthusiastic crowd with a spirited proclamation: “Age is just a number,” as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
The current Guinness World Record for the oldest skydiver was established in May 2022 by 103-year-old Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson from Sweden. Skydive Chicago is actively working to obtain Guinness World Records certification for Hoffner’s remarkable jump, as per WLS-TV.
Hoffner’s skydiving journey began at the age of 100. On this remarkable Sunday, she left her walker behind just short of the plane—a Skyvan—and was assisted up the steps to join the group of fellow daredevils awaiting their skydiving adventure.
With unwavering determination and excitement, Hoffner exclaimed, “Let’s go, let’s go, Geronimo!” as she finally took her seat for the thrilling experience.
For her inaugural skydiving endeavor at the age of 100, Hoffner required some assistance to exit the aircraft. However, during this recent adventure, tethered to a U.S. Parachute Association-certified instructor, she assumed the lead position for the jump from an impressive 13,500 feet (4,100 meters).
As the plane soared and the aft door opened to reveal the picturesque expanse of tan crop fields below, Hoffner appeared composed and confident. With a graceful tumble headfirst, she initiated a perfect forward roll in the sky before assuming a stable freefall position with her belly facing the ground.
The exhilarating descent lasted seven minutes, inclusive of the leisurely descent under her parachute. As she glided down to the ground, her white hair billowing in the wind, Hoffner held on to the harness over her slender shoulders, lifted her legs, and gracefully descended onto the grassy landing area.
Celebratory cheers from friends and well-wishers greeted her as she touched down, and her trusty red walker was brought over. Hoffner promptly rose to her feet when asked about her feelings upon returning to solid ground.
With a radiant smile, she exclaimed, “Wonderful!” and continued, “But it was wonderful up there. The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better.”
Following her momentous jump, Hoffner’s indomitable spirit turned toward future challenges. As a lifelong resident of Chicago who will turn 105 in December, she is contemplating the possibility of embarking on a hot-air balloon ride next.
“I’ve never been in one of those,” she said, signaling that her appetite for adventure remains as vibrant as ever.
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