29/08/2023
Australian Speed Skydiving team member, Natisha Di**le, is no stranger to taking a competition by storm, but her recent performance at the 2023 Speed Skydiving World Cup, where she walked away with 2 x gold medals (one as part of the national team, and one for her individual performance in the female division) and 5 x world records, was outstanding, even by her standards. In her own words:
“I have had an incredible week competing in the 5th FAI Speed Skydiving World Cup at Jump-Tandem & SkyCentrum in the Czech Republic.
There were so many highlights, but I would like to start with how impressed I was when I turned up and found out there were eight other women competing. In Australia, women only represent 13% of licensed skydivers. Collectively over seven nations, we represented almost 30% of this competition. I hope to see this grow every year. There is definitely some emerging talent to keep me on my toes.
Representing Australia with my mates is always a great time with nothing but support for each other. Thank you Shane Turner for always being in my corner. Mervyn O'Connell; your attitude towards life is amazing and it's always a pleasure. Merv achieved outstanding scores and was the consistent glue we needed to solidify our team gold medal.
Together as a team we achieved four world records and a gold medal, and I achieved five more world records and a gold medal in the female division:
- Speed Skydiving - Round 1 - 492.58km/h
- Speed Skydiving - Round 5 - 496.22km/h
- Speed Skydiving - Highest average speed over 8 rounds - 486.99km/h
- Maximum vertical speed without a drogue - Round 1 - 496.98km/h
- Maximum vertical speed without a drogue - Round 5 - 500.87km/h
I am beyond proud that every goal I set for this competition was achieved. I guess it's time to move the goal posts. I am so excited for the next year of training! Thank you to my amazing support crew, I appreciate everyone of you!”
Congratulations, Natisha. We’re all excited to see what’s next for you!
