MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Kim Knor, an 86-year-old skydiver, is closing in on an incredible milestone: completing 1,000 tandem skydives in Macomb County.
She has pursued this goal since she began skydiving at the age of 20.
Local 4 caught up with Knor at Midwest Freefall in Ray Township just after she completed jump number 911.
Knor shared that earning her “gold wings,” awarded to skydivers who reach 1,000 jumps, has been her lifelong mission.
“My mission has been from 1959 till today has been to get my gold wings, which is a thousand jumps,” Knor said. “I have 911 jumps so far, so I’m in the last hundred to go.”
Knor’s passion for skydiving began after World War II, when her uncle returned home with a parachute he used to escape a burning plane.
Inspired by that, she began skydiving at the age of 20 after overhearing a conversation about the sport while living in Chicago.
Describing the feeling of free-falling through the sky, Knor said, “Oh my gosh, it’s just the happiest feeling. It’s freedom and joy. You just are flying like a bird.”
Knor plans to complete her remaining jumps before November this year, with a special jump in Florida during an international museum fundraiser, where she will be inducted into the skydiving Hall of Fame.
Knor emphasized how much skydiving safety has improved since she started.
“Back then, we learned by trial and error. Today, they have massive safety features,” Knor said.
Knor encourages anyone interested in skydiving to visit drop zones and talk to jumpers about their experiences.
“Try it. You might be surprised,” Knor said.
Knor’s inspiring story reminds us all that it’s never too late to chase our dreams and embrace courage.
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