On October 1, Dorothy Hoffner, a 104-year-old resident of Chicago, became the world's oldest skydiver, breaking the previous record held by a 103-year-old Swede in 2022. This record-breaking dive happened at Skydive Chicago Airport in Ottawa, Illinois.
Years ago, Hoffner disregarded age-based stereotypes, developed an interest in skydiving and performed her first jump on her 100th birthday. According to a Hoodline article, friends and supporters vigorously applauded her record-breaking achievement as she landed.
Hoffner seemed indifferent to breaking such an age-centered record and was quoted saying, "Age is just a number," as reported by the Chicago Tribune. Hoffner passed away today, October 10, leaving behind a legacy of challenging age-related conventions.
Hoffner had to weather multiple postponements before she could make her jump to achieve her record. After her successful jump, she seemed to have casually mooted the idea of a hot-air balloon ride, according to a report in Chicago Sun-Times.
We look back at Hoffner's remarkable journey with immense admiration, inspired by viewing age as merely a digit not to let stand in the way of new adventures.
