Editor's note:
The 2017 World Fly-in Expo is set to take off in Central China's leading economic and technological development zone – the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone (Hannan) -- in Hubei province on Nov 4.
With the theme “The vast sky we fly together”, the four-day world-class aviation sports event will draw more than 1,000 participants, including pilots, athletes, coaches and judges, from 37 countries and regions, as well as 300,000 spectators. Let’s explore some of their legendary stories.
Woman with 27-year skydiving career
"In the sky, we use two hand-held rods to steer the direction just like driving a car," said Zhang Yangmei.
She took some six minutes to land from a height of 1,500 meters.
Zhang comes from Hubei province and has been skydiving for 27 years. She joined the provincial Parachute Team in 1990 and was the most experienced member at the national team when she joined it in 2002.
Zhang Yangmei poses with her parachute. [Photo/WeChat account of WHDZ]
Zhang has won more than 100 medals in contests held in China, the US, Russia, Poland, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Dubai.
"Skydiving requires meticulousness. Female parachutists have their advantages. What we need to do is just calm down," Zhang said.
She recalled her first try -- she was so scared that she had to close her eyes. However, she grew increasingly fond of it.
Zhang said there are 24 members on the national team with an even mix of men and women.
She hopes to participate in the Olympic Games in 2028 if skydiving can be included as an Olympic sport.
It's not the first time she's performed in Wuhan. In 2015, she took part in the Asia Championship held there.
To be continued....
