Kim Knor, an 85-year-old skydiver, strives to reach her goal of making 1,000 jumps by 2026.
At 85-years-old, Kim Knor set a goal to reach 1,000 jumps by 2026. In doing so, she will earn her United States Parachute Association Gold Wings, signifying her as having 1,000 jumps under her belt.
From an early age, Knor was captivated by the thrill of skydiving. At 20, she embarked on her skydiving journey, and now, at 85, she continues to embrace a life full of adventure as a great-grandmother.
In 1962, Knor made history as part of the first U.S. Women’s Parachute Team, where she and her teammates secured gold at the Sixth World Parachuting Championships. Her remarkable achievements earned her a place in the Skydiving Hall of Fame, and she remains an active and passionate member of the skydiving community. According to the International Skydiving Museum and Hall of Fame, Knor’s fascination with skydiving began at just five years old when her uncle introduced her to a World War II military parachute. This early encounter sparked a lifelong passion for the sport, which quickly grew into an unwavering drive to pursue skydiving.
“This is the life—to retire and play in the sky,” Knor shared with Fox 2. “And look what I get to play with. This is so much fun.” Reflecting on the importance of joy in life, she added, “We have many responsibilities, and we’re always seeking a release, a chance to have fun. That’s all part of living.”
Knor remains determined to chase her dreams, inspiring skydivers around the world with her unwavering spirit.