Albuquerque resident Rich Greenwood, 74, took to the air last weekend in a daring attempt to set a new Guinness World Record as the oldest wingsuit skydiver. Greenwood, a lifelong skydiving enthusiast with more than five decades of experience, said the goal was personal – to prove that age does not dictate one’s ability to pursue a passion.

Decades of experience, a new challenge

Greenwood has been jumping out of planes since the 1970s, and for most of his adult life he has flown in a wingsuit, a specialized suit that allows a skydiver to glide horizontally like a bird. “I read in a magazine that the oldest person to fly in a wingsuit was 67 years old, and I’m thinking, I’ve been flying wingsuits on and off for 30 years, I’m 74 years old, I’m going to show this young whippersnapper a thing or two,” he said before his jump.

Overcoming cancer and returning to the sport

In 2016 Greenwood was forced to pause his skydiving activities after a cancer diagnosis. After successful treatment and a period of retirement, he returned to the sport he loves, noting that the battle with illness gave him a renewed appreciation for life’s pursuits. “You don’t quit skydiving because you get old. You get old because you quit skydiving,” Greenwood declared, underscoring his belief that perseverance is key to both health and happiness.

The record attempt

During the jump, Greenwood leapt from a standard skydiving aircraft and deployed his wingsuit, completing a glide that officials say meets the criteria for the Guinness World Record. The organization’s ratification process is still underway, and a final decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Community reaction

Local skydiving clubs and fellow jumpers praised Greenwood’s determination. “Rich is an inspiration to anyone who thinks they’re past their prime,” said a fellow Albuquerque skydiver who asked to remain unnamed. The community sees his effort as a testament to the resilience and adventurous spirit that many New Mexicans cherish.

What this means for the sport

While the record is pending, Greenwood’s jump highlights the growing interest among older athletes in extreme sports. It also serves as a reminder that with proper training, health clearance, and a supportive community, age need not be a barrier to high‑performance pursuits.

Regardless of the final ruling, Greenwood’s story will likely encourage other seasoned athletes to chase their own lofty goals, reinforcing the idea that passion and perseverance can defy expectations at any stage of life.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.