LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) – On Thursday, an 86-year-old woman completed her life’s mission to complete 1,000 jumps at Jump Florida Skydiving.
Kim Noah was awarded the American Parachute Association Gold Wing Award for her contributions to the skies.
According to the USPA, Noah reached the milestone while tandem jumping with Hall of Fame skydiver Jay Stokes and his two daughters.
Noah has wanted to skydive ever since his uncle brought back a military parachute from World War II, according to a USPA press release. She made this dream a reality, forging her parents’ signatures and making her first jump at the age of 18.
Noah made history as a member of the first U.S. women’s parachute team, winning the gold medal at the 6th World Parachute Championship in 1962.
After taking a 37-year hiatus to raise her children, Noah used tandem jumping as a means to achieve this desire, embarking on a journey to complete 545 solo jumps and earn a Gold Wing.
Since setting this goal in 2023, Noah has visited 90 drop zones, inspiring fellow skydivers and adventure seekers to push their limits and pursue lifelong dreams, according to the USPA.
After completing his 1,000th jump, Noah said, “It’s a dream come true.” “Dreams don’t have an expiry date, so just keep waking up.”
Noah will receive the USPA Gold Wing Award on Friday at the 2025 International Skydiving Hall of Fame Gala.
