Defying age: 70-year-old Malayali woman skydives from 13,000 feet at Dubai

Thodupuzha: At 70, Leela Jose of Konnathadi in Idukki jumped from 13,000 feet, soaring through the Dubai skies in a feat that quickly went viral.

Leela, who completed a tandem skydive at Dubai’s Sky Dive Palm, described the experience as “dreamlike.”

“I always had skydiving in my mind. When I visited my son Aneesh in Dubai and shared my wish, he gave me full support. I didn’t think twice, I decided to jump,” she said.

Before the dive, Leela underwent document checks, an interview and a briefing video. She boarded a small plane with four younger participants. “Everyone was curious when they saw me. I spoke a different language, but I felt at ease. I laughed a lot,” she recalled.

Leela said she felt no fear as she leapt. “I flew through the clouds. I saw the sea only after 6,000 feet, then the land. Finally, the parachute opened, and I landed about 25 minutes after jumping,” she said.

Now, Leela wants to aim higher. “I want to jump from a greater height and set a Guinness World Record. I still have many dreams,” she said.

Her eldest daughter, Dr Ambili, is supporting her. Leela’s husband, late PJ Jose, was secretary of the Konnathadi Service Cooperative Bank.