A new world record has been achieved in Highland Perthshire.
Frenchman Francois-Marie Dibon has set a new 24-hour world bungee jump record of 765 jumps.
That obliterated the previous tally of 430 set by Kiwi Mike Heard in 2017.
The 44-year-old Paris-raised Actuary amazingly eclipsed Heard’s number just beyond the half-way mark in his marathon challenge, securing jump number 431 at just over 12 hours.
Following a 50 minute stop to rest on the Highland Fling Bungee platform at the picturesque Garry Bridge in Highland Perthshire, he then jumped through the night and into the history books.
Watched over by Guinness Book of Records judge, Joanne Brent - who verified the record - Francois-Marie rounded off his epic effort at 10.13am on Wednesday (June 1).
When the final jump was completed he celebrated with the crew on the platform to the song ‘we are the champions’ by Queen.
Working with a team of 15 jump-masters from Highland Fling Bungee, who worked round the clock in four hour shifts, Francois-Marie did not rest until after the 431st jump, which he completed at 10.30pm on the first day (Tuesday, May 31).
His months of physical and mental preparation then paid off as he soared way beyond the existing record with a tally which is now predicted to stand for a long time.
The new global record is the culmination of years of preparation between Francois-Marie, who works in Stockholm in Employee Benefits, and Highland Fling Bungee.
It is also an unlikely story, with the Frenchmen retaining a crippling fear of heights into his thirties, cured only by completing his first ever bungee jump 11 years ago.
Each jump comprised a 40 metre plummet into a tree-lined gorge towards the River Garry, with the crew winching him back to the platform using a specially adapted mechanical system.
“I did not doubt we could do it,” he said, “Not with the team around me from Highland Fling Bungee. We have been building a performance for some time. We were lucky and blessed that it worked well.
“There are so many people I could thank. Everyone who I have met in my life have brought me something that has led me to this point. I am very grateful.
“When I knew it was the last jump, I actually wanted to keep going. I don’t feel the tiredness yet. I feel the excitement of completing this record with the team. I still feel the collective energy. The tiredness will catch up later.”
Francois-Marie rested only for one stint, with the crew also using that moment to change over the elasticated bungee cord for safety.
He took small sips of water on the platform to remain hydrated and kept his energy levels up with mouthfuls of rice, candies and some ham.
Adjudicator Joanne Brent described witnessing the record attempt as ‘inspiring’, praising the Frenchman’s positivity and focus as well as his manner with his crew.
Laurie ‘Loz’ Thomas, Highland Fling bungee jump master and operations manager, said: “I only worked three shifts and feel shattered so I can only imagine how Francois-Marie feels.
“I am proud of every single person involved. We had to re-rig our systems and tweak things over time with the view of managing a jump every two minutes so it worked out well.”
