OTTAWA, Ill. Dorothy Hoffner, a 104-year-old Chicago woman, is on a mission to make history by becoming the world’s oldest certified skydiver. In a thrilling display of courage, she left her walker behind and embarked on a tandem skydive in northern Illinois.
“Age is just a number,” exclaimed Hoffner to a jubilant crowd shortly after landing on Sunday at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, located approximately 85 miles (140 kilometers) southwest of Chicago, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
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 actively working to have Hoffner’s remarkable jump officially recognized by Guinness World Records, according to WLS-TV.
Hoffner’s adventurous spirit first led her to try skydiving when she was 100 years old. On this particular Sunday, she bravely left her walker just short of the plane, a Skyvan, and was assisted up the steps to join others waiting inside for their exhilarating skydiving experience.
With enthusiasm, Hoffner shouted, “Let’s go, let’s go, Geronimo!” as she took her seat.
During her first skydive, she required a gentle nudge to exit the aircraft. However, on this memorable Sunday, securely tethered to a U.S. Parachute Association-certified instructor, Hoffner insisted on leading the jump from a remarkable altitude of 13,500 feet (4,100 meters).
As the plane ascended, she appeared composed and self-assured. When the aft door swung open to reveal the vast expanse of tan crop fields far below, she approached the edge and boldly leaped into the sky. Hoffner executed a perfect forward roll in mid-air before stabilizing herself in freefall, with her belly facing the ground.
The entire descent, including the parachute’s gentle descent to the earth, lasted seven breathtaking minutes. As she gracefully touched down on the grassy landing area, the wind playfully tousled her white hair. Holding onto the harness over her slender shoulders, Hoffner lifted her legs and landed softly.
Friends and well-wishers rushed in to offer their congratulations, and Hoffner’s red walker was brought over. With a quick recovery, she was asked about her feelings upon returning to solid ground.
“Wonderful,” Hoffner exclaimed. “But it was wonderful up there. The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better.”
After her daring jump, Hoffner’s mind turned to future adventures and challenges. The lifelong Chicago resident, who is set to celebrate her 105th birthday in December, mentioned the possibility of taking a ride in a hot-air balloon.
“I’ve never been in one of those,” she remarked with a twinkle in her eye.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
