New Zealander smashes record for bungee jumps in 24 hours

Oct 11, 2023, 2:20 AM
Mike Heard, 41, toppled the previous record of 765 jumps.

Mike Heard, 41, toppled the previous record of 765 jumps.

A New Zealander smashed the world record Wednesday for the most bungee jumps in 24 hours after making a total of 941 leaps off Auckland Bridge.

Mike Heard, 41, toppled the previous record of 765 jumps set by Frenchman Francois-Marie Dibon in Scotland last year.

Having started at 0700 local time on Tuesday (1800 GMT Monday), Heard passed Dibon's record in the early hours of Wednesday before powering on to set the new best mark, his support team told AFP.

"It certainly wasn't easy, and going into it, I knew it would be a massive challenge. The number of jumps we had to hit, added a whole new level of nerves to this attempt for me," Heard said.

"But the record needed to be here, because bungee is a part of our DNA."

Heard, who lives in Auckland, was showered with blue confetti after his 941st and final leap just before 0700 local time Wednesday.

Bungee jumping is the extreme sport of leaping from a great height while connected to an elastic rope.

According to its website, the bungee jump at Auckland Bridge is 40 metres (131 feet) high.

Before starting his record attempt, Heard said he steeled himself for the marathon challenge by adding ice baths and cold showers to his training regime.

He had previously set the record in 2008 and 2017.

Heard said he was motivated to bring the record to New Zealand and raise money for a mental health charity.

"It feels wrong to let this record be held by any country other than New Zealand and I want it back," he said before attempting the record.

This story was produced by AFP.

Comments

Latest News

Nasheed warns Red Sea tensions could threaten Maldives

Former President Mohamed Nasheed warned that Middle East tensions and Red Sea disruptions could bring conflict to the Maldives. He urged the deployment of military assets and stronger security ties with India to protect vital trade channels from militant threats. Nasheed noted that new trade routes may emerge as global shipping shifts.

MDP opens applications for National Council elections

The Maldivian Democratic Party has opened applications for its National Council elections scheduled for November 27. Candidates must pay a fee to contest, and the vote marks the first internal election under new party statutes. The deadline for members to register to vote is October 20.

No direct response from Alabbar on land granted in perpetuity

Mohammed Alabbar declined to confirm if land for the Rasmale’ project was granted in perpetuity, stating his company will follow Maldivian law. While the government is waiving acquisition fees, Alabbar noted that lease terms must align with current regulations, though he acknowledged that laws can change over time.

BOC employee jailed for stealing $150,000 from customer account

Former Bank of Ceylon Deputy Country Manager Hassan Waheed was sentenced to over three years in prison for stealing $150,000 from a customer. He was convicted of forgery and theft for the 2019 crime. Due to trial delays, part of his sentence was commuted to a fine, though the court noted he made no effort to repay the stolen funds.

One in five Maldivians suffer from depression symptoms

A Health Ministry survey reveals that one in five people in the Maldives suffers from depression symptoms. In response to rising mental health concerns, the government is expanding psychiatric services and building a specialized 50-bed hospital in Hulhumalé to provide long-term care and reduce social stigma.

Film stars remanded for 15 days following drug bust

A court remanded film stars Ahmed Azmeel, Ismail Jumaih, and Mohamed Vishaal for 15 days after a drug bust. The actors and a fourth suspect tested positive for synthetic drugs found in plain view during a police raid. Authorities seized enough substances to potentially pursue trafficking charges against the group.

Four more embassies to open despite rising costs

The Maldives government will open four new embassies in Egypt, South Africa, Australia, and Italy, bringing the total number of missions to 25. This expansion comes despite public concern over rising costs, with annual spending already at MVR 648 million. Currently, 82 political appointees are stationed abroad at a high monthly expense.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox