Russian skydiver Sergey Boytcov has set a world record by jumping from a hot-air balloon at an altitude of 11,551 meters in support of the 2026 International Festival of Youth. The feat surpassed the previous mark of 10,060 meters set by Polish extreme athletes.
Stratosphere Jump Breaks World Record
Boytcov, a multiple Russian and world record holder, completed the jump under the Stratum Jump 11–12 project, an initiative by Russian company Created by the Heavens. The project aimed to reach an altitude above 11,000 meters, a feat that not long ago seemed impossible.
During the jump, Boytcov's free-fall speed exceeded 500 kilometers per hour, with the entire descent lasting seven minutes and 19 seconds. His parachute was successfully deployed at an altitude of 1,565 meters before he landed safely in the Ust-Kalmanka District of Russia's Altai Territory.
Record-Breaking Jump Supported by Russian Institutions
The record attempt received support from several Russian institutions, including the Ministry of Sport, Russian Olympic Committee, State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sport, Roscosmos, and the Federal Air Transport Agency. The project's success is a testament to the collective efforts of engineers, pilots, and other members of the project team.
Boytcov attributed the feat to the team's hard work and the use of domestically manufactured equipment. He dedicated the achievement to his country ahead of National Flag Day and to the International Festival of Youth – 2026.
Preparation and Training for the Jump
Preparations for the attempt involved navigating extreme conditions at more than 11 kilometers above the ground, where temperatures dropped to minus 59 degrees Celsius. Boytcov underwent a test ascent in a pressure chamber at the Cosmonaut Training Centre, simulating conditions at an altitude of 12 kilometers.
Equipment was also tested at temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees Celsius, while the athlete rehearsed aspects of the jump in a wind tunnel. Boytcov has more than 25 years of experience in the sport and has completed over 2,000 jumps.
The International Festival of Youth
The record attempt was held in support of the International Festival of Youth, scheduled to take place in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, 2026. The festival, being organised under Russia's Youth and Children national project, is expected to bring together 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries.
Boytcov hopes that the example set by the record-breaking jump will inspire young people around the world to pursue their dreams. "We achieved something that not long ago seemed impossible," he said. "I hope our example shows young people all over the world that even the boldest goals become reality when they are backed by knowledge, hard work, a team, and belief in the outcome."
Source: Joy Online
