Sergey Boytcov sets world record with 11,551-metre stratosphere jump

Russian skydiver Sergey Boytcov has set a new world record by jumping from a hot air balloon at an altitude of 11,551 metres. The feat took place in the Altai Territory of Siberia and was conducted as part of the Stratum Jump 11–12 project.

Boytcov surpassed the previous record of 10,060 metres held by Polish athletes. During the descent, he reached free-fall speeds exceeding 500 km/h. The total flight lasted approximately seven minutes, with his parachute deploying at 1,565 metres before a safe landing in the Ust-Kalmanka District.

The mission, which supported the upcoming 2026 International Festival of Youth, required specialized equipment to withstand extreme conditions, including temperatures as low as -59°C. The balloon was piloted by Ivan Menyaylo, President of the Balloon Federation of Russia, and reached a peak altitude of 11,610 metres, setting a new Russian national record for balloon altitude.