On July 22, Robert “Stu” Williamson went skydiving to commemorate his milestone birthday. (Horizon House Retirement Community)
One adventurous centenarian recently celebrated his 100th birthday in a major way — by leaping out of a plane at 14,000 feet.
On July 22, Robert “Stu” Williamson went skydiving to commemorate this milestone birthday in Snohomish, Wash. The feat, while undeniably daring, in fact marked Williamson's second time skydiving — the Seattle man also also jumped from a plane on his 99th birthday, reports KIRO 7.
The feat, while undeniably daring, marked Williamson's second time jumping from a plane. (Horizon House Retirement Community)
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Enjoying the day with family and new friends ahead of the stunt, Williamson bravely boarded a Skydive Snohomish plane and valiantly ascended to a height of 14,000 feet before taking the plunge. Upon landing, the birthday boy cheered “Let’s do it again!” and hugged his grandson and his instructor-turned-friend Vladimir Ursachii, who jumped with him, according to the Seattle Times.
Williamson also went skydiving for his 99th birthday last year. (Horizon House Retirement Community)
"You get a real shot of adrenaline when you look out the door, then it’s a real piece of cake after that,” Williamson told KIRO of his birthday celebrations. According to the outlet, he is now officially the oldest person ever to jump with Skydive Snohomish.
Enjoying the day with family and new friends, Williamson bravely boarded a Skydive Snohomish plane. (Horizon House Retirement Community, Seattle)
Meanwhile, the Times notes that Williamson’s family is “still somewhat incredulous” regarding “his sudden interest in falling from the sky,” reporting that he was a quiet man “who never had much use for sports” in his younger days.
"You get a real shot of adrenaline when you look out the door, then it’s a real piece of cake after that." (Horizon House Retirement Community)
Williamson, however, says the logic of the attraction is simple.
“After the parachute opens, he is a completely different person,” Williamson’s skydiving instructor Vladimir Ursachii said. (Horizon House Retirement Community)
“I’d done lots of things,” he said, “but I’d never jumped out of an airplane.”
Apparently, the centenarian found inspiration for the stunt via Matt Morse, a seasoned skydiver, who works in the wellness department of Williamson's retirement community. Williamson has found a true joy in extreme parachuting.
"I’d done lots of things, but I’d never jumped out of an airplane," Williamson remembered thinking before his first foray into skydiving. (Horizon House Retirement Community)
“After the parachute opens, he is a completely different person,” Williamson’s skydiving instructor, Vladimir Ursachii, told the Times.
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Now, Williamson has his sights set on a new goal: breaking the world record for oldest skydiver. (Horizon House Retirement Community)
Ursachii, who jumped with Williamson both this year and last year, said the activity seems to suit him.
"He’s cracking jokes, waving his arms — it’s wonderful."
Now, however, Williamson has got his sights set on surpassing the record for the world’s oldest skydiver, which, according to the Times, is currently held be a 102-year-old man from New Jersey.