100-Year Old WWII Nurse Skydives on Birthday

Raymonde Sullivan of Sebastian, Florida by way of the United Kingdom, took to the skies to commemorate her 100^th birthday by participating in a tandem skydive!

Ms. Sullivan, a nurse who had served on the front lines during World War II had probably done most everything else to this point, and thought the skydive would be a great, if she ever hit 100. Ms. Sullivan is reported as saying “I’ve done a lot of things in 100 years. I thought I must do it while I can.”

Ms. Sullivan was looking forward to making the leap about two years ago after learning her close friend had recently done a sky-dive, and was curious to try it herself, provided her close friend also accompanied her. Shortly after deciding to jump, she’d been talking it up a storm for almost two years, but grew quieter as the day approached. Understandably nervous, Ms. Sullivan followed her tandem jump instructor’s guidance, and appeared to be perfectly tucked throughout the descent! Her tandem instructor recorded the experience for posterity, and from which others may me encouraged or inspired to follow suit. At the conclusion of the skydive, and feet firmly planted on the ground, Ms. Sullivan remarked “it was scary”. When asked if she’d do it again, without hesitation she said “no”, laughed a bit, and reiterated her response to make sure there was no mistake.

In case you are wondering, the World record for the oldest female tandem skydiver was snagged by Irene O’Shea of Australia, who was 102 years old at the time when she did her third jump in 2018, having previously jumped each year upon reaching her 100^th birthday. Independent freefall belongs to then 82-year old Dilys Price of the United Kingdom, a jumper since age 54 with over 1000 accumulated dives.

FMI: https://www.worldrecordacademy.com/sports/skydiving_world_records_101499.htm