On Sunday, British centenarian Manette Baillie marked her 102nd birthday in a thrilling and unforgettable way — by skydiving from a plane. With this experience, she has created a record by becoming UK’s oldest woman to jump out of a plane.
The adventurous leap, which took place at Beccles Airfield, saw Baillie jumping from a height of over 2,100 meters (6,900 feet), with an assistant securely strapped to her harness.
Baillie, who hails from the village of Benhall Green in eastern England, described the experience as “a bit scary”, admitting that she tightly shut her eyes as she descended at high speed. Despite the fear, she hoped her daring act would inspire other elderly individuals to stay active and continue pursuing new experiences.
“I just want other people who are getting towards 80 and 90 not to give up anything. Just keep going”, she shared with BBC Radio. Reflecting on the moment before her jump, Baillie told Sky News, “When the door opened, I thought, there is nothing more I can do or say. Just jump.”
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This isn’t Baillie’s first taste of excitement. Two years ago, she celebrated her 100th birthday by driving a Ferrari at 210 kilometers per hour (130 miles per hour) around the Silverstone motor racing circuit. Her skydive was inspired by hearing about an 85-year-old man who had done the same.
“If an 85-year-old man can do it, so can I”, she declared.
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