He was the world champion in base jumping and has conquered every challenge possible. Felix Baumgartner is living on the extreme edge, and cannot imagine his life any different.
He makes a living from extreme base jumping and was the first person to jump from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. This week he went to Oman to be the first to jump into Seating of the Spirits, the largest cave in the Middle East.
Calm
But for a man who lives on the edge, Felix Baumgartner is surprisingly calm and controlled. We were seated outside, enjoying the cool breeze, and as dusk settled upon us, he remembered how it all began.
Stepping off
"Since I was a little kid, I always had two dreams — helicopter flying and skydiving. But I had to wait until I was 16 years old before I could skydive. I still remember the feelings I had as a kid, when I was standing on the edge. I used to think,
it would be so cool to just step off."
Felix has since stepped off quite a few times. In 1997 he won the world championship in base jumping, but says his greatest feat was when he jumped from the Christo Redentor statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He went on to set a world record in being the first to cross the English Channel in freefall with a delta wing.
"I'm a happy man, because I turned my hobby into my profession. Not many people can do that. But for the future, I'm going to be a helicopter pilot. Then I can do firefighting, mountain rescuing and still be in the air — my second home."
Felix realises that most people think he's crazy to live so dangerously, but he knows what he's doing.
"I'm not scared of heights at all. But I do have fear. If you respect the nature and you see it's too windy, you'll have to
cancel the jump. I think that the hardest point for an athlete is to say no."
'Love it'
But it seems that Felix will never get bored with his hobby. Sipping thoughtfully on a Red Bull, he said with a great smile:
"I've done more than 2,500 skydives, but still, if the back door of an airplane opens, I can't wait to run out there. I love it."
10 questions: Under your skin
1. Most embarrassing moment:
Once I was nominated to win the World Sports Awards in London, 2001. Everyone thought I would win it. I won the internet vote. But then when the letter was opened to see who the winner was, it was the cross country biker who won. I had my speech prepared. That day my whole world burned down. I'll never forget that day.
2. Zap yourself to which place on the planet right now: Brazil.
3. Likes and dislikes of your body: Like: My butt. I get a lot of compliments actually. And I think my feet are too big. They
should be one size smaller.
4. Favourite time of the day: Night time. I hate getting up early. I would rather cancel my breakfast than get up early.
5. Three famous people, dead or alive, to have dinner with (at the same time): Marilyn Monroe, Bill Clinton and Elvis. I was
a big fan of Elvis when I was a little kid. I love all those old stars and black and white photos.
6. What makes you laugh: People. Especially my girlfriend.
7. Last day on earth to live: I would fly with a helicopter all day. Or, I would fly with my wing — the one I crossed the English Channel with. It's total freedom.
8. Bring to a deserted island: A girl. You can build a family and have somone to talk to. If you work hard, the family will get bigger and bigger.
9. Best and worst thing about Dubai: It's amazing to me how it all started from just a desert and they've built it into one
of the biggest cities in the world. Worst: It's getting more busy and crowded and expensive. And also because they are
building so fast, things look cheap.
10. Final words: "Learn to love what you've been taught to fear."
Personal stats
Age: 38
Star sign: Taurus.
Nationality: Austrian.
Homebase: Austria.
Status: Girlfriend.
Food: Italian food.
Film: Sin City.
Actor: Robert De Niro.
Music (apart from house): Anything from funk to rap to RnB. Just not country music!
Sexiest woman: Madonna — when she was younger. She was always leading the fashion.
Clothes: Jeans and a shirt. Easy stuff.
Breakfast today: Bread, honey, butter, pineapple and a cappuccino.
Eggs should be: Sunny side up.
Book: Jonathan Livingston Seagull. The Red Bull boss gave it to me because he thought it fits my personality.
Perfume: Aqua di Gio by Armani.
Country: Brazil. I love Rio. But I love Cape Town too.
Sport: Motorsports. I've started rally driving.
Car: Ford GT — I have this car.
Season: Spring.
Introvert or extrovert: I think extrovert. I'm talking a lot!
Hobby: Flying a helicopter.
Hero: Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Pet hate: Stupidity. I also hate when people are late.
Dog/cat: Dog.
Coffee/tea: Coffee.
Sweet/salt: Sweet.
