IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Woman, 93, marks birthday with first skydive

Polly Gifford jumped out of an airplane at 14,000 feet over the weekend to celebrate her 93 birthday.
/ Source: The Associated Press

Polly Gifford jumped out of an airplane at 14,000 feet over the weekend to celebrate her 93rd birthday. It was her first jump, and probably her last, she said.

Gifford says she was inspired when former President George H.W. Bush jumped in June at age 80.

She says that she shook as she fell during her skydive on Saturday — not from fear but “just from the fun of it.”

A friend set up the jump with West Point Skydiving Adventures and gave it to Gifford as a birthday present.

Unlike many people her age, Gifford lives independently and still drives. Every day, she works out on her treadmill and stationary bicycle.