Duo jumps off Burj Khalifa, smashes world record

Two daredevils leaped into the pages of history after they smashed the Guinness World Record for the highest base jump from the world’s tallest building. Fred Fugen and Vince Reffet made the jump from the 828-metre tall Burj Khalifa on Monday.

The jump from the Burj Khalifa was possible only with the construction of a 3 X 1 metre platform at the top. The structure that was recently spotted by residents and tourists took a total of three days to install. The highest safety measures were said to have been in place to ensure the pinnacle did not get damaged, and the divers were safe. Fred and Vince had to go through a series of training in Switzerland by base jumping off Lauterbeunnen Mountain that is almost the same height as the Burj Khalifa. With a week of intense training in Switzerland, Fred and Vince continued to condition themselves with base jumping out of helicopters in Dubai to ensure they were ready for the jump.

“This was the jump of a lifetime and an achievement of three years of hard training. I am glad we landed successfully, accomplishing a lifelong dream,” said Fugen.

“This was my best jump by far. It was a dream come true,” said Reffet.

Skydive Dubai, which organised the jump, maintained its 100 per cent safety record. “The Burj Khalifa jump is no exception,” said Alan Gayton, general manager, Skydive Dubai, the Palm Drop Zone. “This success is due to the ‘practice make perfect’ method of training that we always follow and the 100 per cent dedication of everyone working on this project.

Nasser Al Neyadi, president of the Aero Sport Federation and chairman of Skydive Dubai, said: “On behalf of the entire team and myself, I would like to thank Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, for giving us the opportunity in making this project a reality. Skydive Dubai has become a pioneer in regards to aerial sports and will continue to strive in setting more new world records.”

Earlier in April, the Guinness World Record for the smallest parachute jump was also performed at Skydive Dubai. Dubai Film Production in association with Skydive Dubai is currently working on a short documentary focus on the project as a whole, which will be released soon.

• UAE
• Dubai