French daredevils set base jump record from Burj Khalifa

Sport360 staff 20:06 23/04/2014
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  • Daredevils Fred Fugen and Vince Reffet have set a new Guiness World Record for the highest ever base jump after leaping from the Burj Khalifa on Monday 21 April.

    The French duo twice jumped from the hugely impressive structure which stands some 828 metres tall as they made their bid for history.

    The jump was only made possible after a 3x 1 metre platform was constructed at the very pinnacle of the building, an immense task in its own right.

    But it was Fugen and Reffet, who worked closely with Skydive Dubai, who had to make the leap of faith as they spiraled down the breathtaking Burj Khalifa.

    “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.” stated Fugen.

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

    The duo had been training in Switzerland by base jumping from the Lauterbeunnen Mountain before coming to Dubai where their training continued as they leapt from helicopters, before finally conquering the world’s tallest building.

    “On behalf of the entire team and myself, I would like to thank H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum 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.” said His Excellency Nasser Al Neyadi, President of the Aero Sport Federation and Chairman of Skydive Dubai.

    Fugen and Reffet can now safely saw they own a world record after eclipsing the feat of Emirati jumpers Nasser Al Neyadi and Omar Al Hegelan who jumped 672 metres down the Burj in 2010.

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