Daredevils record breaking skydive cancelled

October 10, 2012 11:58

Felix Baumgartner, an Austrian daredevil, was forced to call off his record-shattering attempt to jump from the edge of space at the last minute due to high winds.

The 43-year old former military parachutist had hoped to become the first skydiver to exceed the speed of sound during a leap from an altitude of 23 miles, but high winds played spoil sport.

Baumgartner had donned a specially designed pressure suit and climbed into a capsule as a giant helium balloon designed to take him to the jump altitude was inflated above him.

A five-minute launch countdown had begun but, with moments to go, the ascent was called off as the balloon was buffeted by unexpected gusts.

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