Dorothy Hoffner: Chicago woman sets record for skydiving at the age of 104
'Skydiving is a wonderful experience, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. Just do it,' the centenarian said
OTTAWA, ILLINOIS: A 104-year-old woman has reportedly made history by skydiving at such an elderly age.
Dorothy Hoffner experienced one of the most exciting adventures of her life on Sunday, October 1, at Skydive Chicago on Sunday in Ottawa, Illinois, NBC Chicago reported.
It has been said that the centenarian took a plunge from a plane after flying nearly 10,000 feet off the ground.
Hoffner also reportedly broke the record of Swedish national Linnea Ingegärd Larsson, who skydived at the age of 103 in 2022.
Now, Skydive Chicago is in the process of registering Hoffner's name on the Guinness World Records.
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Dorothy Hoffner's response after age-defying feat
Hoffner told the Chicago Tribune, “Age is just a number.”
She shared, “It was wonderful up there. The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better.”
"Skydiving is a wonderful experience, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. Just do it," Hoffner reportedly noted.
The elderly woman also urged people to go skydiving. She noted, “When you’re coming down, make sure you’ve got someone with you. That’s the important thing."
“I often thought, if I were to do this alone, I would pray when I pulled the parachute cord,” she said.
“If you pulled it too soon and got caught on the plane, then what would you do when you got caught on the plane? How could they land that plane with you hanging on it?” she added.
Dorothy Hoffner reflects on long life
Hoffner also went on to disclose the secret behind her long life, saying she has no husband and no children.
“The pettiness and the mess of a husband. I never had to take care of anyone but me,” she asserted.
Besides, Hoffner’s belief in God has helped her. She stated, “He kept me really going. I can’t say that I’ve ever had any really terrible pain. My life has been very dull.”
104-year-old skydiver receives praise online
Skydive Chicago posted Hoffner’s skydiving video on its Instagram page, which received many positive messages.
A user said, “Love love love this!!! She’s my role model!!! She’s amazing!!! OMG, that take off!!! 🔥”
Another wrote, “What a superstar ⭐️ Blue Skies Dorothy 🙌☺️.”
“How beautiful <3 very inspiring!” a third commented.
