Felix Baumgartner is a renowned Austrian skydiver and daredevil, celebrated for his groundbreaking achievements in extreme sports. His career took off with a series of record-setting jumps, including the highest parachute jump from a building in 1999 from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. This remarkable feat showcased his exceptional skills and set the stage for his future endeavors in skydiving and BASE jumping.
In 2003, Baumgartner made history as the first person to skydive across the English Channel using a specially designed carbon fiber wing, further solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in the field. His adventurous spirit led him to perform the first BASE jump from the completed Millau Viaduct in France in 2004, and he continued to push boundaries by jumping from the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, setting the record for the lowest BASE jump.
Baumgartner’s most notable achievement came in 2012 with the Red Bull Stratos project, where he ascended to an astonishing altitude of 38,969.3 meters (127,852 feet) before free-falling to Earth. During this historic jump, he became the first human to break the sound barrier outside of a vehicle, reaching speeds of 1,357.64 km/h (843.6 mph). This monumental event not only set multiple world records but also inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams.
Beyond skydiving, Baumgartner has ventured into motorsport, competing in the 2014 24 Hours of Nürburgring with Audi Motorsport, demonstrating his versatility and determination. His contributions to extreme sports have earned him numerous accolades, including the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award, highlighting his status as a leading figure in the world of adventure sports.
