Red Bull athlete soars to two new world records

Champion Red Bull hang glider Jon Durand recently swooped in to set two new world records in just one day in dramatic ‘boomerang-style’ across the Great Australian Bight. NULLARBOR NATIONAL PARK (Australia) – Durand covered a staggering 300km, gliding 150km across the sheer cliff face of the Nullarbor National Park and back at speeds of up to 72km/h to smash his first record. Taking full advantage of the rare wind conditions he then made his second record attempt, ramping up impressive speeds of 90km/hour to secure another world record in the same day, as the fastest glider to ‘out-and-return’ a distance of 100km. The ‘out and return’ boomerang-style manoeuvre is particularly complex and one of the most difficult for hang gliders to achieve. Launching and returning to the same location, the move is reliant on the technical ability of the glider and wind factors that make it possible only at certain times of the year. Durand, who has been competitively hang gliding since the age of 15, spent months training to prepare both physically and mentally for the challenge dubbed ‘Project Boomerang’. The team set up camp for several days, monitoring the weather and carrying out rigorous safety checks to ensure conditions were perfect before finally embarking on the daredevil flights. “After years of hard work and preparation, to have accomplished not one, but two world records in one day is completely overwhelming. There were some major risks, including the remoteness of the location, and there were a few moments when I could have hit the water. The support from the team on the ground has been incredible. The whole experience has been exhilarating and the absolute highlight of all my achievements so far,” said the 32-year-old from Queensland, who is currently preparing for the upcoming World Hang Gliding Championships in Mexico.   100km out and return record: Performance: 90.41 km/h Date: 2014-01-28 Course/Location: Nullarbor National Park (Australia) Claimant: Jon Durand (AUS) Hang glider: Moyes Delta Gliders Litespeed RX 3.5   300 km out and return record: Performance: 71.28 km/h Date: 2014-01-28 Course/Location: Nullarbor National Park (Australia) Claimant: Jon Durand (AUS) Hang glider: Moyes Delta Gliders Litespeed RX 3.5]]>