World wingsuit competition takes off in China
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E-mail CNTV, October 18, 2012
An international wingsuit competition is taking place right now in central China's Hunan Province. Eight of world's best fliers who just advanced to today's final, are going to plunge off Tianmen Mountain, from a height of 1,400 metres.
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A contestant flies over the mountains during the first wingsuit world flying contest at Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie in Central China's Hunan province, Oct 17, 2012. [Asianewsphoto] |
This is the first time the competitors will be judged on their speed. Let's go live to this spectacular event.
The wingsuit fliers are required to finish a circular routine in the valley and land on the mountain road. The fastest will be the winner. They will each have the chance to perform the routine twice, and the better record will be taken as the final results.
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A contestant flies over the mountains during the first wingsuit world flying contest at Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie in Central China's Hunan province, Oct 17, 2012. [Asianewsphoto] |
Wingsuit flying is certainly not a sport for the faint hearted. Competitors propel themselves through the air using a special jumpsuit, which adds surface area to the human body to enable a significant increase in lift. Modern wingsuit designs create the surface area with fabric between the legs and under the arms. They also go by the names of a birdman suit or flying squirrel suit.
The difficulty and danger involved in this sport means very tough standards. And today's competition is the most difficult and challenging one that has been ever held in recent years.
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