The breathtaking moment was caught in a stunning viral video, capturing skydivers as they linked their parachutes mid-air to form a massive star-shaped pattern against the open sky.
A team of 104 elite skydivers from 20 countries set a remarkable new world record on November 22 in Lake Wales, Florida, by creating a breathtaking, physics-defying canopy formation. The moment was captured in stunning viral footage, showing the skydivers connecting their parachutes mid-air to form a massive star-shaped pattern, breaking the previous record for the largest canopy relative work (CRW) formation.
The previous world record, set in 2007, featured 100 skydivers in formation. This new attempt demanded an immense logistical effort, involving eight aircraft and coordination with several agencies, including air traffic control, according to reports.
Chris Gay, co-organiser of the formation, said that three world-record judges on-site confirmed the achievement. “With an event like this, it’s all about the journey. Many participants transformed their lifestyles — from diet and exercise to sleep routines — and got into better shape than they had been in for 10 or even 20 years. For many, that personal transformation is one of the most meaningful parts of the event,” he told WALB News.
Viral footage captured by Performance Designs and accompanying photographers showcased the sheer magnitude of the formation, with vibrant parachutes interlocking mid-air to create a massive, unified structure. The event was aptly named Operation VK.
“This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for a new 104-way CRW world record! Congratulations to everyone who helped build this historic formation — from the base to the final dock, the video team, and all those supporting on the ground. You created something truly unforgettable,” the team shared on Instagram
Among the participants was 60-year-old plumber Peter Hughes, who described the accomplishment as “absolutely amazing,” according to The Westmorland Gazette.
“There are 130 of us who have been working toward this for many years, with the past three devoted entirely to perfecting this jump. Everyone involved has been on their own journey,” he said.
The video quickly impressed viewers on social media. “This is next-level cool!” one user commented, while another wrote, “Videos like these remind us that humans are pretty awesome.”
