103-year-old daredevil achieves the world’s oldest tandem parachute jump

Ahead of Guinness World Records Day 2020 this November 18, we’re discovering the world of extraordinary record holders each week to build up the excitement for our global celebration of record breaking. This week, check out the world of the daring Alfred Blaschke.  

Centenarian Alfred "Al" Blaschke is proving that anyone at any age can be fearless. 

Born on January 4, 1917, Al has just recently been confirmed for breaking the Guinness World Records title for the oldest tandem parachute jump (male) at the age of 103 years and 181 days. 

Back in 2017, Al took his first skydive for his 100th birthday and swore that he would do another to celebrate his twin grandsons’ college graduations. 

Three years later, he honored that promise by jumping out of a moving plane at 14,000 feet, as confirmed by Skydive Spaceland manager Thomas Hughes. 

Family, friends, media, and even state officials gathered to watch this record-breaking attempt as 103-year-old Al took his hair-raising leap, which is incredibly brave for someone at his age. 

During the jump, Al remained in free fall until he reached a terminal velocity of 120 miles per hour at 6,000 feet. 

 The attempt started as 103-year-old Al took the record setting leap with Don Cameron, a certified Skydive Spaceland tandem jump instructor, who helped deploy the parachute and ensure a safe landing to the ground with Al.  

The entire dive took a total of 5 minutes. “Everything went perfect,” Al said afterwards. 

Al stated, “Skydiving is a very safe sport these days. Statistically, it’s more dangerous to get snacks out of a vending machine.” 

His grandsons, Kevin who graduated from UT in May 2020 and Jason from Texas A&M in December 2020, were thrilled to have celebrated their graduation with their adventurous grandfather by joining him on his plunge into the atmosphere.