The Drop

On August 19 – 25, 2023 the U.S. Speed Skydiving and Wingsuit flyers tested themselves against the world’s best in Prostejov, Czech Republic at the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (World Air Sports Federation) World Cup Championships.

Brianne Thompson and Niklas Daniel of AXIS Flight School attended the competition representing the United States. Jumping out of a Pilatus Porter, speeders completed all 8 rounds over three days without a single re-jump. The weather was hot (mid 80s to low 90s °F) with the occasional rain showers moving through the area. Most competitors’ performance was a bit slower than anticipated. Several environmental factors can affect the outcome of a speed run, such as weather conditions and the DZ’s field elevation (702 ft/ 214m). In a sense, each competition sight around the world is a racetrack with their own unique variables. Prostejov proved to be a slower track this time of year. Brianne’s highest scoring round was 481.04 km/h (R3) , while Nik’s was 511.87 km/h (R1).

In the Open category, Brianne started in pole position #28, but finished 12^th with an average speed of 472.77 km/h. Brianne placed 2^nd in the Female category, behind returning World Champion Natisha Dingle from Australia, who had an average speed of 486.99 km/h. Natisha set a new female competition world record in round 5 where she reached an average speed of 496.22 km/h. In addition to returning home with a silver medal, Brianne also broke ISC Continental Competition and Performance Records:

1. G-1 SP Female / Highest Average Speed / N-America / 481.04 km/h
2. G1 SP Female / Highest Overall Average Speed  N-America / USA 472.77 km/h
3. G-2 SP Female / Max Vertical Speed without drogue / N-America / 485.35 km/h

“Speed Skydiving is becoming more compeative each year. The race for world’s first female to join the 500 km/h club is still up for grabs. It won’t be long now” – Niklas Daniel

Nik defended his 2^nd place position throughout the competition with an average speed of 508.04 km/h. Marco Hepp from Germany maintained the lead with an average speed of 513.00 km/h (top scoring R5 517.11 km/h). Nik did manage to beat Marco in round 2, but only by half a kilometer. Nik also collected a couple ISC Continental Competition and a Performance Records:

1. G-2 SP / Max Vertical Speed without drogue / N-America / 519.16 km/h
2. G-1 SP / Highest Overall Average Speed Team / N-America / 478.78 km/h
3. G-1 SP / Highest Average Speed Team / N-America / 482.13 km/h

This year’s USA National Speed Skydiving Team line up was comprised of Niklas Daniel, Matthew Fry, and Logan Mahone. The National Team composition is declared before the start of a competition. The individual member’s scores are then aggregated into a group total at the end of the competition. Australia and Germany placed 1^st and 2^nd respectively. USA placed 3^rd with a combined total of 11490.72 km/h. In addition, the team also set two ISC Continental Record:

1. G-1 SP / Highest Overall Average Speed Team / N-America / 478.78 km/h
2. G-1 SP / Highest Average Speed Team / N-America / 482.13 km/h

While Nik’s standings in the ISSA’s Eternal Ranking List remains unchanged, Brianne will move up from #134 to #29, an impressive achievement. This makes Team AXIS the fastest couple in the world 🙂

Brianne and Nik look forward to competing at next month’s 2023 USPA National Skydiving Championships at Skydive Paraclete in Raeford, North Carolina to qualify for the 2024 5th FAI World Speed Skydiving Championships in Bar Yehuda, Israel. The competition sight is right next to the Dead Sea which is -1,266ft MSL.

Congratulations to all competitors who participated. We look forward to seeing you again soon. AXIS Flight School thanks all its sponsors and supporters who have helped us chase our dreams.