WATCH: Iowans help break skydiving world record
Two Iowans were selected to break a skydiving world record July 26 in Illinois.
Skydivers from around the world gathered in various locations to try out to be selected to break the world record for number of people in one head-up formation.
Those auditioning were anxiously hoping to receive an invitation to break the record of the number of people forming a star with their feet facing earth and their heads facing the sky. Among those auditioning were Iowans Jake Sparks and Brandon Stevens.
"It's the most difficult form of flying," Sparks said.
Sparks and Stevens traveled to Florida to try out with approximately 60 others in that location. By the end of the tryouts, they were selected as two of 84 people from across the globe to set the new world record.
The 84 skydivers gathered at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois. They were given five days to attempt the world record.
"It's difficult to get that many people on the same page falling at 180 mph," Sparks said.
On its final day, the group succeeded in breaking the world record as judged by The National Aeronautic Association.
"Everybody should try skydiving," Sparks said. "No matter your age, your health, your athleticism, it's a sport everyone can do."
Sparks encourages Iowans to check out local Iowa jump sites to give skydiving a try.