Dorothy Hoffner, a remarkable 104-year-old Chicagoan, recently accomplished an incredible feat, aiming to become the oldest person ever to skydive. With unwavering determination, she leaped from a plane at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, situated approximately 85 miles southwest of Chicago, marking an unforgettable moment in her life.

Dorothy Hoffner’s motto is clear: “Age is just a number.” These words took on a profound meaning as she touched the ground, greeted by a cheering crowd that had gathered to witness her remarkable achievement.

For this courageous centenarian, this wasn’t her first experience with skydiving. Dorothy first took the leap when she was 100 years old, an adventure that required a little nudge to exit the aircraft. However, this time around, at the age of 104, she was determined to take charge. Instead of being pushed, she insisted on leading the tandem jump from an astonishing altitude of 13,500 feet, with a U.S. Parachute Association-certified instructor by her side.

The exhilarating dive lasted seven minutes, encompassing a gentle descent to the ground as her parachute guided her back to Earth. As she came in for a graceful landing, her white hair blowing in the wind, Dorothy held onto the harness over her slender shoulders and touched down softly on the grassy landing area.

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Friends and well-wishers rushed to congratulate her, with someone bringing over her walker for support. In Dorothy’s own words, “The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better.” She has her sights set on her next adventure – a hot air balloon ride.

Dorothy Hoffner’s incredible achievement is currently under review by Guinness World Records, as organizers work diligently to certify her jump. The current Guinness World Record for the oldest skydiver was set in May 2022 by 103-year-old Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson from Sweden, and Dorothy’s feat is poised to make history once validated.