A day when sky-high dreams came true

Dubai - Paraplegic skydiver doubles record in vertical wind tunnel

Dubai-based skydiver Jarrett Martin has smashed a world record for the longest flight time in a wind-tunnel by a disabled person.
On the six year anniversary of a tragic base jumping accident which left the 24-year-old American paralysed from the chest down, he chose to celebrate not commiserate.
And what a celebration it was.
Leaving his wheelchair behind him, the world record hopeful entered Inflight Dubai's vertical wind tunnel - which at 20 metres high is the largest in the world - hoping to beat the current record of 96 minutes. And 180 minutes later, astounded onlookers cheered on as the 24-year-old left the chamber a world record holder - nearly doubling the old record.
Speaking to Khaleej Times after the impressive feat, Martin said it all felt a little "surreal".
"I'm actually the new record holder after three hours of continuous flying. I crushed it."
Last month, Khaleej Times sat down with Martin in the lead-up to the record attempt.
With wind speeds reaching 160kmph in the wind tunnel, Martin said he was excited but not "100 per cent confident" about the record.
"It's pretty tough, but I think I can do it."
And do it he did.
But it didn't come easy, he said.
"It was one of the toughest things I have ever done. It required so much endurance. The first hour was the hardest for me but as soon as I crossed the 96 minute mark, I knew I could carry on for another hour."
No feat too high
During a daredevil-feat six years ago, Martin was attempting to launch himself off the side of a mountain using a two-parachute technique. If successful, he would have been one of the first in the world to complete the risky stunt, but things didn't go quite to plan.
A failure in the complex harnessing system led to a failed landing. He was left wheelchair-bound at the age of 18.
But since his accident in 2009, Martin has been constantly pushing the boundaries - often 18,000ft up in the air.
The records keep coming
His recent success saw him beat the previous record set by British double amputee skydiver, Alistair Hodgson. -kelly@khaleejtimes.com