Sunshine Coast skydivers will help launch a global world record attempt this weekend amid a push for their sport to take off at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Dozens of thrill-seekers are booked to leap over Currimundi Beach with SKYONE Sunshine Coast on Saturday as part of World Skydiving Day – a coordinated international effort to break the record for the greatest number of jumps in a single day.
The local jump site is one of 33 drop zones across Australia. Last year’s inaugural event saw more than 30,300 jumps globally, including 2700 in Australia, placing the country second behind the US.
Organisers were confident they could soar past that figure.
The event has added significance, with Australia’s peak body, the Australian Parachute Federation, renewing its call for skydiving to be included as an official Olympic sport at Brisbane 2032.
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Federation CEO Stephen Porter said the discipline was growing rapidly and deserved a place on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
“By uniting with sporting associations around the world, World Skydiving Day is lifting the profile of the sport,” he said.
“To take that even further and showcase the professionalism of the sport and the dedication and athleticism of those who compete, we want to see skydiving included in the Olympics program.”
Competitive skydiving already features a range of global events and world championships in disciplines including formation skydiving, artistic freestyle, wingsuit flying, speed skydiving and canopy piloting.
Queensland’s Natisha Dingle, the world’s fastest female speed skydiver, said Olympic recognition was long overdue.
“A huge amount of preparation goes into competing, mentally and physically,” she said.
“To represent Australia on the world stage for a sport I love is an incredible honour – and now it’s time to take the next step.”
The Sunshine Coast event is expected to attract dozens of tandem jumpers, with more expected to sign up on the day. Proceeds from the event will support the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
