102-year-old great-granny becomes 'oldest' skydiver

Great-grandmother Irene O’Shea during her skydive tandem jump over Wellington in South Australia. PHOTO: AFP
Madam Irene O’Shea getting ready to do a skydive tandem jump. PHOTO: AFP
Madam Irene O’Shea landing safely upon completing her skydive tandem jump. PHOTO: AFP
Madam Irene O’Shea during her skydive tandem jump. PHOTO: AFP

SYDNEY (AFP) - A 102-year-old great-grandmother is believed to have become the world's oldest skydiver after plunging 4,300m through the South Australian sky.

Centenarian adrenaline junkie Irene O'Shea said she "felt normal" after a 220kmh dive that sent her cheeks flapping wildly.

She completed her first skydive to mark her 100th birthday in 2016, but organisers claimed it was Sunday's successful tandem dive at the age of 102 years and 194 days that earned her a place in the history books.

"It was very clear up there, and the weather was good but it was very cold," said Madam O'Shea, according to Australian media.

Madam O'Shea took the plunge to raise funds for a motor neuron disease charity, after her daughter died from the illness.

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