104-Year-Old Chicago Woman Makes History As Oldest Skydiver

Dorothy Hoffner, 104, has cemented her place in record books by becoming the oldest person to skydive, and she has one message: “Age is only a number!”

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The Centenarian Says Her Feat Proves That “Age Is Only A Number”

According to the Chicago Tribune, Hoffner accomplished the feat in Ottawa, Illinois, on Sunday (Oct. 1). The jump took place at Skydive Chicago, and she was joined by Derek Baxter during her descent.

Chicago Tribune reporter Jake Sheridan kept people posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, by sharing footage of Hoffner’s feat. Check out a slow-mo video of the 104-year-old’s free fall down below.

🌎🏆WORLD RECORD🏆🌎 — Dorothy Hoffner became the oldest skydiver ever today.

“Age is just a number,” the 104-year-old said after she jumped at Skydive Chicago Airport. Here’s her epic jump and free fall in slow-mo: pic.twitter.com/194NdxGzSU

— Jake Sheridan (@JakeSheridan_) October 1, 2023

Within an on-site interview after making her jump, Dorothy called the experience “wonderful.”

“The whole thing was delightful. Wonderful.”

As for what’s next, Hoffman suggested wanting to enjoy a hot air balloon ride. She also told onlookers, “Age is only a number.”

Dorothy Hoffner, 104, just became the oldest skydiver ever. Here’s the interview she gave right after she landed.

“Age is just a number.” pic.twitter.com/6QBwhUrsu9

— Jake Sheridan (@JakeSheridan_) October 1, 2023

The Previous World Record Was Set By A 103-Year-Old Swedish Woman Last Year

While on the subject of Dorothy Hoffner’s historic jump, we should note that the centenarian previously made her intentions loud and clear.

According to FOX 32 Chicago, Hoffner first skydived after marking her milestone 100th birthday. Eventually, she set her sights on establishing a whole record.

Before Hoffner, Euronews reports that the previous record-holder was a Swedish woman named Rut Larsson who skydived at the age of 103 last year. After Larsson’s jump, she proclaimed, “It was wonderful to do this, I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.”

While Dorothy had reportedly hoped to accomplish the feat back on Sept. 7, it was pushed back to the very start of October, though her goal ultimately became a reality.

Congratulations to Dorothy Hoffner!

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