David Strasmann Of Germany Claims Hot Air Ballooning Gold

German balloonist David Strasmann beat 67 other pilots to be crowned the new FAI World Air Games Hot Air Ballooning champion December 11.

Also on the podium at the Sky Dubai Palm Dropzone were Belgium’s Steven Vlegels in silver-winning second, and Stefan Zeberli from Switzerland in third place.

Gold medallist Strasmann, who came out on top of the huge, international field by attaining an impressive 7,282 points, received a standing ovation from the 300-strong crowd. Later, he thanked the organizers of the competition for doing such a great job in sometimes challenging conditions.

"It was a tough competition because we had this wind changing direction in the afternoon,” Strasmann said. “But we had a good crew, good speed, good wind measurements."

The FAI World Air Games, held in Dubai, wrapped up Saturday with a final air show featuring paramotorists, gyrocopter pilots and skydivers, as well as a spectacular Closing Ceremony at the Palm Dropzone.

The FAI’s primary goals for the event are to determine “FAI World Air Games Champions”; to showcase air sports to the general public and promote public participation in air sports by attracting new participants to air sports disciplines; to promote FAI events to other sports organizations and to create an attractive platform for TV, media and other external stakeholders.

(Image provided by FIA)

FMI: www.fai.org