SKYDIVERS COMPLETE WORLD RECORD JUMP

By Amanda Stringfellow @Amanda_L_S

A TEAM of 57 skydivers set a world record by creating two stunning formations while falling at 180mph

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Videographer / Director: Norman Kent
Producer: Amanda Stringfellow
Editor: Sonia Estal

Skydivers leap from a plane at 16,000 feet to kick off their record breaking dive

A collaboration of world-class athletes leapt from three planes flying at 16,000 feet to complete the first ever two point, 57-person, vertical formation skydive of its kind in a 45-second free-fall.

The 57-man team leap from three seperate planes

After jumping from the planes, the falling group assembled in a pre-determined formation – linking arms to create a detailed shape in the sky.

Divers make the free fall before moving into the pre-determined formation

The team then separated and manoeuvred into a second formation – in an awe-inspiring stunt that has never been achieved before.

The divers then swiftly separated to safely open their parachutes before reaching the ground.

Building two formations is much harder than one – making the record an incredibly difficult feat even for the expert divers.

The sky divers prepare to take their places

With limited working time, no verbal communication, no room for mistakes and at high speeds, the team beat the odds to complete the record safely.

Incredible: the skydivers hold their position in mid air

The record breaking jump took place on Saturday (October 25) at Skydive Spaceland in Rosharon, Texas, U.S.A.

Photographer Norman Kent captured the scene from the skies as he fell through the air, following the participants as they made their record attempt.

Success! The team mange to fully create the shape in the sky

He was accompanied by videographer Mike Carpenter, who captured footage instrumental in proving the jump’s success to the judges.

The jump was the first two point 57-person, vertical formation skydive, of its kind

Norman, 58, from El Paso, Texas, has been skydiving for 39 years and has attempted over 25,000 jumps.

Norman said: “The team completed the first two point, 57-person, head down, vertical formation skydive, head-down, large formation, sequential.

The successful jump took hours of planning and preparation

“The team linked in a pre-determined shape formation and then transitioned to a second predetermined formation before having to separate to safely open their parachutes before reaching the ground.

“Building two formations is much harder than one – making the record an incredibly difficult feat.

“It took several weeks to prepare the event and select the people and several jumps to practice on site.

The delighted skydivers celebrate setting a World Record

“It’s an amazing feeling to be in the air with the most talented skydivers in the world all meeting in one place at one time - all doing their best to do something never done before.

“Amazing people draw the best out of each other, it’s contagious and I love being a part of it.”