July 18, 2025, 6:36 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
He broke the sound barrier, set records, and will go down in history as one of the greatest German-speaking extreme athletes. For decades, Felix Baumgartner continually pushed the boundaries of what was possible–whether with spectacular jumps from the world’s tallest buildings, crossing the English Channel with carbon wings, or his grand finale in 2012: the jump from the stratosphere. Baumgartner consistently set new standards–until he tragically died on July 17, 2025.
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Some people carry a certain destiny within them, knowing early on that it will shape their lives. Such was the case for Salzburg native Felix Baumgartner. Since childhood, he likely had two dreams, both in the air: skydiving and sitting in the cockpit of a helicopter as a pilot. When Roland Rattenbacher, then of HSV Salzburg–now HSV Red Bull Salzburg–would tell young Felix about jumping, Felix’s eyes must have lit up. In an interview with the Flying Bulls, Baumgartner said, “He always talked about jumping and inspired and excited me as a child. I wanted to jump out of a plane as a kid.”
Baumgartner’s Career Took Off in 1996
At 16, the dream finally became reality, and the path was paved–with a short detour. After completing his training as a car mechanic, Felix joined the Austrian Armed Forces. There, he was able to jump frequently and quickly build a solid base of experience. However, the later chance encounter with Tracy Lee Walker, an American living in Bavaria who became Baumgartner’s mentor in skydiving, was even more influential. Reflecting on the 500 Deutsche Mark payment at the time, Baumgartner said, “The best investment of my life.”1
In 1996, Baumgartner’s career officially began when he participated in the unofficial world championships in BASE jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia and won the competition. This was followed by a long list of impressive jumps–including the spectacular jump, again at the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia during Bridge Day just a year later, for which he was awarded the title “Best Overall Performance.” This very jump eventually led to Baumgartner’s contract with Red Bull, which was crucial for his further career.
Baumgartner’s Most Impressive Jumps
In 1999, Baumgartner jumped from a height of 449 meters from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, setting the record for the highest parachute jump from a building. The quirky part: Disguised as a businessman, with the parachute in a briefcase, Baumgartner sneaked up to the 88th floor and jumped from a window cleaning crane.
Yet another impressive jump was to follow that same year: the jump from the right arm of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Again without permission and again a record: the lowest BASE jump of all time.
In 2003, Baumgartner completed the main stunt for the Taurus Awards in Hollywood. Equipped with wings made of carbon fiber, known as carbon wings, he competed in a race against a propeller plane. After more than six minutes in the air and reaching a speed of 240 km/h, Baumgartner won the race.2
The Highlight of Baumgartner’s Career
The stunt that shocked the world and for which most people know Baumgartner is his jump from the stratosphere. Together with Red Bull, the event ran under the name “Red Bull Stratos,” arguably the most impressive parachute jump of all time.
Before the actual jump, Baumgartner completed two spectacular test jumps: In March 2012, he first jumped from about 21,800 meters above Roswell, New Mexico, already reaching supersonic speed. Shortly thereafter, a second test jump followed from over 29,600 meters.
On October 14, 2012, Baumgartner finally jumped from a height of 39,045 meters. As the first person in free fall, he broke the sound barrier, reaching a speed of 1,357.6 km/h. Millions worldwide watched the event live on television or via livestream on the internet.
Felix Baumgartner’s world-famous quote before his jump: “Sometimes you have to go up really high to understand how small you are.”3
The jump was not only a milestone in the history of extreme sports but also became a major media event that sparked worldwide enthusiasm and fascination. The “Red Bull Stratos” jump set several world records, including the highest manned balloon jump, the longest free fall, and the first person to break the sound barrier in free fall.
Baumgartner’s Contribution Beyond Sports
Baumgartner’s contribution to sports goes beyond his own achievements and awards. The “Red Bull Stratos” jump provided significant insights for NASA’s emergency escape program.4 Additionally, Baumgartner was involved in charity events, particularly for children’s aid projects. He showed special commitment to the “Wings for Life” foundation, dedicated to curing spinal cord injuries.5,6
Controversies
In recent years, the Austrian has polarized not with daring stunts but increasingly through his public statements. His political comments on domestic politics, in particular, repeatedly caused outrage. Whether advocating for a “moderate dictatorship” led by “a few people from the private sector” who “really know what they’re doing,” or expressing support for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Hungary’s right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his migration policy.7
Recently, Baumgartner also faced criticism for comments on women’s soccer. Responding to soccer player Alisha Lehman’s statement in the Italian magazine “La Repubblica”: “We do the same job, but a man earns a hundred thousand times more than I do,” Baumgartner commented: “Delusion is also an education. Of course, female soccer players don’t do the same job as their male colleagues. Women don’t have the same viewership, so there’s less money.”8
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Baumgartner’s Tragic End and What Remains
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Felix Baumgartner died during a paragliding flight in Italy. Baumgartner was a man of extremes–not only during his active time as an extreme athlete but also afterward as a prominent public figure. His achievements are unmistakable, and for many, he remains a role model and source of inspiration in sports. Time and again, he pushed the boundaries of what was possible and set new standards. His forearm tattoo summed it up: He was “Born to fly.”