Dwain Weston facts for kids
Dwain Weston was an Australian skydiver, BASE jumper, and wingsuiter. He was known for his amazing skills in these extreme sports. Sadly, he passed away on October 5, 2003, during an event called the Go Fast Games. He was trying to fly over the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, USA, when an accident happened.
Dwain Weston: A Skydiving Champion
Dwain Weston came from Sydney, Australia. He worked as a software developer, but he was also a very talented gymnast and surfer. In 2002, he became a world champion in BASE jumping. BASE jumping is an extreme sport where people jump from fixed objects, like buildings, antennas, spans (bridges), or earth (cliffs).
Weston was also the president of the Australian BASE Association. He was one of the first BASE jumpers to add acrobatic moves to his jumps. He also created many new jumping techniques. He was a true pioneer in the sport.
The Royal Gorge Bridge Event
On October 5, 2003, Dwain Weston was taking part in the first-ever Go Fast Games. He was wearing a wingsuit. A wingsuit is a special skydiving suit that has fabric between the arms and body, and between the legs. This fabric helps skydivers glide horizontally through the air.
Weston planned to fly over the Royal Gorge Bridge. Another skydiver, Jeb Corliss, was supposed to fly under it. Before the jump, Weston told Corliss, "Just remember: whatever happens, happens."
During his flight, Weston misjudged the wind and his distance from the bridge. He hit a railing on the bridge while moving very fast. After the impact, his parachute opened, and he landed on a rock face. Spectators on the bridge saw the accident.
Dwain Weston's Achievements
Dwain Weston won several important awards for his skills:
- World BASE Cup 2002 (held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
- Xtreme Skydive - World Base Cup 2003 Championship (held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on January 6, 2003)
