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31/07/2003
Austrian skydiver wings it to France
A former mechanic has become the first man to skydive across the English Channel.
Felix Baumgartner, a 34-year-old Austrian, leapt from a plane above Dover on the English coastline at 30,000 ft and plummeted towards Calais at an average speed of 135mph.
Using a six-foot carbon fibre wing strapped to his back, an oxygen tank from which to breathe, and a parachute to land, Baumgartner arrived at his French destination just 14 minutes later.
He described his experience as "great" but promised onlookers and waiting media that he had an even bigger project waiting to complete.
Baumgartner's skydive across the English Channel is just one of a long line of daring feats attempted by the Austrian. He has already jumped from the statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur - the tallest buildings in the world.
(MB)
Felix Baumgartner, a 34-year-old Austrian, leapt from a plane above Dover on the English coastline at 30,000 ft and plummeted towards Calais at an average speed of 135mph.
Using a six-foot carbon fibre wing strapped to his back, an oxygen tank from which to breathe, and a parachute to land, Baumgartner arrived at his French destination just 14 minutes later.
He described his experience as "great" but promised onlookers and waiting media that he had an even bigger project waiting to complete.
Baumgartner's skydive across the English Channel is just one of a long line of daring feats attempted by the Austrian. He has already jumped from the statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur - the tallest buildings in the world.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
