World

Skydiver's world record attempt foiled as balloon floats away without him

by tbphotos | May 27, 2008 at 06:20 am

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Speculation has it that maybe the attempt of a world record jump over Saskatchewan was really not meant to be. This morning's unsuccesful launch would sound the same as throwing your anchor overboard and then realizing that the rope was not secured to the boat. Michel Fournier's life has been spared for at least a while longer. My belief is that he will acquire another balloon and will attempt his dream. This event, if it does happen, will surely be a world media story to remember.

NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. - A French skydiver's hope to set a new free-fall record suffered another setback Tuesday as the balloon he was going to use floated away without him.

Michel Fournier planned to ride in a small capsule attached to the balloon and soar into the stratosphere, where he would jump 40,000 metres to Earth.

But after the balloon was inflated early Tuesday morning it detached from the capsule and drifted away into the clear morning sky at the airport in North Battleford, Sask.

Fournier appeared disappointed as left the capsule and walked to the hanger. He was hugged by members of his entourage.

It was unclear whether the balloon was intentionally released for some reason or if it was an unforeseen technical problem.

It was also not known if Fournier's team had a substitute balloon. His handlers planned a media briefing for later Tuesday.

Tuesday's setback is the latest in a string of failures that the 64-year-old former French paratrooper has endured in his dream to set a record.