104-Year-Old Chicago Woman’s Record-Breaking Skydive Adventure
A 104-year-old woman from Chicago aims to become the oldest certified skydiver, leaving her walker behind for a tandem jump in northern Illinois. Dorothy Hoffner exclaimed, ‘Age is merely a number!’ to an enthusiastic crowd upon landing at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, located approximately 85 miles southwest of Chicago.
“In May 2022, 103-year-old Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson from Sweden set the Guinness World Record for the oldest skydiver. Skydive Chicago is now working to have Guinness World Records recognize Dorothy Hoffner’s jump as a record.
Hoffner’s first skydive took place when she was 100 years old. On her recent jump, she left her walker just short of the plane, a Skyvan, and climbed the steps with assistance to join others waiting to skydive. Hoffner, known for her enthusiasm, exclaimed, ‘Let’s go, let’s go, Geronimo!’ once seated.
During her initial skydive, she needed to be pushed out of the aircraft. However, on this occasion, tethered to a U.S. Parachute Association-certified instructor, Hoffner insisted on leading the jump from 13,500 feet.
She appeared composed and confident as she exited the plane, executing a perfect forward roll before stabilizing in freefall with her belly facing the ground. The dive lasted seven minutes, concluding with a gentle parachute descent.
Upon landing, friends congratulated her, and her red walker was brought over. Hoffner, quick to her feet, described the experience as ‘wonderful’ and ‘delightful.’
Looking ahead, the soon-to-be 105-year-old Chicago native expressed interest in taking a hot-air balloon ride, an adventure she has yet to experience.