A new linked headfirst vertical skydive world record was narrowly missed by participants at Skydive Chicago. The record was attempted nineteen times over the last five days. Skydivers from four continents came to try and break the record in Dayton. Although there were professional skydivers, the group was composed of people from all different backgrounds including engineers, stay-at-home moms, a mechanic, and a mailman. The oldest person was fifty-three while the youngest was nineteen.
Ali Westergren with Skydive Chicago says there are already plans to try and get the world record again.This was the ninth attempt to beat it since it was set in 1999 when 24 people linked arms skydiving head first. A new record was last set in 2015 when 164 skydivers linked arms diving headfirst.