Paraglider Jos Bots, 93, chases Guinness World Record for oldest pilot
Cheating death several times in the half century he’s been taking flight, Jos Bots is far from your everyday pensioner. He’s got a world record in his sights.
NSW
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Jos Bots is not your everyday pensioner, the nonagenarian is about to embark on a record-breaking milestone at an age most people struggle to reach: the oldest solo paraglider.
Reaching the almost impossible feat wasn’t exactly easy for the proud Sydneysider. He has cheated death several times undertaking the extreme sport.
“I’ve had close calls that have nearly killed me a few times,” he said.
“Winds have changed mid-flight, I’ve nearly collided with hang gliders and even drifted out to sea with (paraglider) lines wrapped around my legs and wrists.”
But age is just a number for Jos Bots who celebrates his 93rd birthday on Wednesday.
He said the paragliding experience still “amazes” him despite doing it for over 50 years.
“It’s such a wonderful thing to do, flying like a bird,” he said.
“You can fly in a plane but it’s different to be sitting inside a motorised vehicle, but freeflying like a bird still amazes me, it’s marvellous.”
The current Guinness World Record holder for the oldest solo paraglider is held by Polish man Janusz Orlowski who soared to heights of 332m at the age of 91 in 2017, but Mr Bots believes he can break it even with the tough conditions Stanwell Park possesses.
“You’ve got to gain 300m (in height), which can be done at a lot of places but it’s tough to do at Stanwell Park,” he said.
“We did a test once and I missed it (the 300m elevation level) by 10m actually.”
Despite all of the close calls and age naysayers, Jos Bots is hungrier than ever to break this record and he’ll be closely monitoring Stanwell Park weather forecasts waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
“The Guinness Book of Records goes all over the world, it would be very nice and something to think about.”
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