Felix Baumgartner, a licensed helicopter and aerostier pilot, also pursued boxing and climbing. He twice set world records for the highest base jumps.
In 2003, Baumgartner achieved the first “free fall” across the English Channel, leaping from an airplane and using carbon wings to travel from England to Calais, France.
Splitting his time between Switzerland and the United States, Baumgartner openly discussed his country’s policies and did not conceal his attendance at events with far-right Austrian politicians. He also publicly mocked climate change activism on social media, expressing opposition to environmental parties and LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite the inherent dangers and public controversies, Baumgartner maintained a seemingly fearless approach to his pursuits. “I hate being called a thrill-seeker or an addict,because that’s not the case.I like everything that is planned,” he stated prior to his 2012 jump.
