104 year-old Chicagoan Dorothy Hoffner set to break skydiving world record

Lifelong Chicago resident Dorothy Hoffner is on track to make history this month as she prepares to jump from a plane with the help of Skydive Chicago. At 104 years-old, Hoffner aims to break the Guinness World Record for the oldest skydiver.

Hoffner will make her jump on Thursday, September 7, over the sprawling fields of Ottawa, Illinois. The centenarian will jump from a plane into a designated drop zone, attached to a certified tandem instructor for safety. 

Skydiving has been a long time passion of Hoffner's. "For years it had always interested me,” she says, “the topic came up one day and I said 'if only we could do that'”.

In 2019 Hoffner’s skydiving dreams came true as she completed her first ever jump in celebration of her 100th birthday. Four years later, she is ready to jump again, in perhaps her most significant skydiving feat to date.

How brave does one have to be to complete a skydive? According to Hoffner, not at all! The experienced skydiver says that jumping is not as scary as one might think, describing the endeavor as peaceful. 

“To see the beautiful scenery below, it's just wonderful”, says Hoffner, remarking that, from above, the nearby Fox River appears only inches wide.

She adds that her lifelong faith in God has given her the courage to take risks and pursue her dreams. “God has taken good care of me”, Hoffner says.

Hoffner thanks the amazing staff and fellow residents at her home, Brookdale Assisted Living in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, for supporting her as she embarks upon her upcoming adventure. 

Hoffner is also graciously supported by the United States Parachute Association (USPA), a non-profit membership organization that promotes safe skydiving practices around the country.