If you're anything like me, skydiving is a BIG no-no. Not even just the fear of heights, it's the fear of flying too. I would be shaking like there's no tomorrow just being up there on the plane, let alone jumping out of it! But, it's a pretty cool hobby for people who like that flying feeling. And it's accessible, too.
That's because a quadriplegic woman from Washington born with cerebal palsy just broke a skydiving record! As reported by the Daily Mail, Tania Finlayson set the state record for the greatest droguefall distance and maximum vertical speed droguefall. If that sounds like a couple of Harry Potter spells, let me help you out.
A droguefall is a small little parachute that skydivers deploy the moment they come out of the plane. It's meant to make them slow down enough while skydiving so they're not speeding downward too quickly. Then, after they're down to a comfortable speed, they deploy their main chute to slow themselves right down.
Finlayson and her instructor Zephaniah Knotterus completed the jump from 17,694 feet. This isn't her first skydiving rodeo, though. She's jumped over 50 times! She often goes jumping with her husband Ken and her 20-year-old son, Michael.
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Finlayson Explained Her Skydiving Record
Finlayson explained both why she loves skydiving so much, and why it's such a good thing for her in general.
"Skydiving feels like freedom to me. For a little while, I am not defined by my disability. Skydiving is one of the rare experiences where we can all fully participate side by side, and that means everything to me." While she can't speak using her mouth, she has a customised computer setup that allows her to express herself freely.
She further explained that the record felt "really special and honestly, a bit surreal." I certainly don't blame her, it's an absolutely massive achievement!
And now, she's waiting on the United States Parachute Association to validate her Washington record. Good on her!
People on social media have congratulated her. One commentor wrote, "Good for her! She's certainly braver than I am", with another writing, "Way to go!! Woohoo!"
