Nathan Rennie Attempts World Record Jump

It was high enough and it was far enough, but Nathan Rennie’s 121 foot gap jump in Southern Australia on November 3, was no good…Or, at least, not good enough to shatter the current world record. Click COMPLETE JUMP PHOTO GALLERY to see a complete photo gallery of the jump.

Rennie was attempting to break BMX-er Colin Winkleman’s record of 116 feet, set in 2000.

Guiness World Records deemed the attempt “unofficial” because of Rennie’s crash landing. The former World Cup Downhill Champion cleared the gap, but botched the landing after overshooting his landing ramp.

Rennie hit the nearly 10 foot tall ramp specifically constructed for the jump at 60 mph after being towed in by a motorcycle. A 23 mph headwind made Rennie’s flight even harder. The bike survived the crash, but Rennie wasn’t as lucky even though he walked away. He separated his shoulder, and most of his body is covered with cuts and bruises. The crash also smashed Rennie’s full face helmet.

Because of the crash and Rennie’s injuries, no more attempts were made at the jump. In a press release Rennie said he was happy with the jump because of what they learned from the effort and hints at another attempt at the record. “I think the outcome of jumping 121 feet but crashing is good – because I will be back to try again. I think we can blast 150 feet plus, easily, with the information that I’ve gained from today, and also the confidence that I’ve gained as well,” Rennie said.

The pilot of the tow in bike was Robbie Maddison, a rider how knows how to go big. He holds the world record of jumping 125cc motorbike at 221 feet. Rennie’s previous longest jump was 70 feet. According to Red Bull, 8 people have died in the past 10 years trying to surpass Winkleman’s 116-foot record jump.