They say age is nothing but just a number and should never act as a barrier to achieving something. A 104-year-old woman from Chicago showed the world why this statement is something more than just hyperbole and a motivation. Skydiving is something that is not for the faint-hearted and the general notion is that it is too risky for an older person to give it a try.

Just two years ago, in May 2022, Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson from Sweden set the Guinness World Record for the oldest skydiver to take the plunge. She was 103 years old at the time for commendable achievement, that earned her praise from all over the world. Dorothy Hoffner, the 104-year-old from Chicago, had some plans of her own and shocked the entire world with her remarkable feat.

104-year-old Dorothy Hoffner reaches new heights

She was 100 years old when she took her first plunge and completed her first skydive. Imagine possessing the zest and enthusiasm for life at such an age. There are people younger than her who struggle to find happiness in their lives despite being in the best of physical conditions.

Dorothy said that during her first skydiving expedition, she had to be pushed down from the plane, but things were quite different the second time. She took her second plunge on Sunday last week, but it was a completely different affair from the first time. She had the confidence and belief after doing it before and that was visible in her demeanor throughout.

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She wore a huge smile on her face as she sat on the plane and her excitement was like that of a young kid getting his favorite toy. “Let’s go, let’s go, Geronimo!” Hoffner said after she was finally seated.

Records are meant to be broken

This time, Dorothy Hoffner needed no one to push her as her adrenaline and willpower pushed her to make the jump herself. She plunged to the ground from 13500 ft above and dove headfirst, with a smile and infectious enthusiasm. Her entire ride lasted for seven minutes, and she looked like she had the best time of her life. “Wonderful,” Hoffner said. “But it was wonderful up there. The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better.”

Dorothy completed her skydiving adventure at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa. The officials of the property said that they would speak and work with the Guinness Book of World Records to certify her record and etch her name in the history books forever. She arrived on the land amidst loud cheers, and people were in awe of her confidence, attitude, and personality. Many thought that this would be her final adventure, but Dorothy was in no mood to slow down.

She will turn 105 come December but already has her sights on the next adventure, riding in a hot-air balloon. One can only stand, appreciate, and applaud her positivity and will to do something extraordinary.

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