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Skydivers complete Everest leap | |
(30 minutes later) | |
A group of skydivers has completed the first parachute jump over the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. | |
The three adventurers, from the UK, New Zealand and Canada, enjoyed a minute-long freefall after jumping from about 9,000m (29,500ft). | The three adventurers, from the UK, New Zealand and Canada, enjoyed a minute-long freefall after jumping from about 9,000m (29,500ft). |
The trip took 15 years to plan and cost each jumper about $24,000 (£13,500). After doing the jump, Briton Holly Budge said it was worth the money. | The trip took 15 years to plan and cost each jumper about $24,000 (£13,500). After doing the jump, Briton Holly Budge said it was worth the money. |
There are now 29 other members of the group waiting to do the leap. | There are now 29 other members of the group waiting to do the leap. |
"It was amazing, just spectacular," Ms Budge told the AFP news agency by telephone after making a safe landing. | "It was amazing, just spectacular," Ms Budge told the AFP news agency by telephone after making a safe landing. |
"We had one minute of freefall and while we were above the clouds you could see Everest and the other high mountains popping out of the top." | "We had one minute of freefall and while we were above the clouds you could see Everest and the other high mountains popping out of the top." |
The skydives were originally scheduled to be carried out on Friday but were delayed by thick cloud. | |
The jumpers had to use breathing equipment, extra-thick parachutes and special suits to deal with the thin air and sub-zero temperatures. | The jumpers had to use breathing equipment, extra-thick parachutes and special suits to deal with the thin air and sub-zero temperatures. |
They also trekked in the region before the jump to get used to high altitudes. | They also trekked in the region before the jump to get used to high altitudes. |
Expedition leader Nigel Gifford says the people of the Everest region have got used to the idea, and that they are relating it to a Buddhist holy man said to have jumped over the Himalayas. | Expedition leader Nigel Gifford says the people of the Everest region have got used to the idea, and that they are relating it to a Buddhist holy man said to have jumped over the Himalayas. |
"It came about because I have been a Himalayan mountaineer and took up skydiving. I love doing both and I thought it would be good to marry the two," he said. | "It came about because I have been a Himalayan mountaineer and took up skydiving. I love doing both and I thought it would be good to marry the two," he said. |
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