Amy Chmelecki - Red Bull Air Force Team & Member of the Skydiving Hall of Fame
Jan 13, 2025
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Amy Chmelecki, a member of the Red Bull Air Force and the Skydiving Hall of Fame, has spent nearly three decades revolutionizing skydiving. She shares her journey from overcoming health struggles to achieving over 20,000 jumps and 25 world records. The conversation dives into her exhilarating wingsuit stunts over NYC and the evolution of the skydiving community. Amy also addresses imposter syndrome and the importance of mental preparation before jumps, highlighting the dynamic between passion, authenticity, and personal growth in extreme sports.
Amy Chmelecki's journey from overcoming childhood health issues to becoming a skydiving legend illustrates the power of resilience and passion.
Her remarkable achievements, including 25 world records and stunts with the Red Bull Air Force, showcase her dedication to pushing the limits of human flight.
Transitioning from athlete to leader, Amy emphasizes the importance of community support and aims to foster inclusivity and growth within the skydiving sport.
Deep dives
Amy's Journey in Skydiving
Amy Shemilecki began her skydiving career in 1995 after overcoming significant childhood health challenges, including severe lung issues and dyslexia. Growing up in a family where her parents were involved in healthcare and entrepreneurship, she discovered her passion for sports, which prompted her to pursue skydiving. Initially denied permission to jump until she turned 18, Amy's fascination with flying would solidify her decision to enter the sport, where she quickly excelled, amassing over 20,000 jumps and becoming a renowned figure in the skydiving community. The supportive environment she found in the skydiving community contrasted sharply with her earlier experiences of bullying, paving the way for her to grow both personally and professionally in a field dominated by adrenaline and innovation.
Achievements and Recognitions
Amy's contributions to skydiving are marked by an impressive array of accomplishments, including 25 skydiving world records and numerous national and world titles across various disciplines. As a member of the Red Bull Air Force, she performed high-profile stunts, including a wingsuit formation over Manhattan and landing on a tugboat in the Hudson River. Her versatility as an athlete extended to Hollywood, where she served as a stunt double in major films, showcasing her capabilities to a broader audience. In recognition of her significant impact on the sport, she was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2022, highlighting her influence and dedication to pushing the boundaries of human flight.
The Community of Skydiving
At the core of Amy's success is the supportive community of skydivers who foster an environment of camaraderie and mutual encouragement. Her transition from a novice to a highly skilled competitor was significantly influenced by the relationships she built with fellow skydivers, many of whom have since become prominent figures in the sport. Defying the stereotype of a solitary athlete, Amy emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving great heights in skydiving. This strong network not only aids in technical skill development but also enhances the experience of the sport, creating memories and connections that transcend individual accomplishments.
Personal Growth and Challenges
Throughout her career, Amy has faced personal challenges, including handling feelings of inadequacy and overcoming the trauma of bullying, which she candidly explores in conversations about her journey. The experience of being bullied at her early drop zone pushed her to confront her insecurities, leading her to seek personal growth actively. Through therapy and self-reflection, she learned to process her emotions and focus on being authentic while navigating her identity as a high-profile athlete. This personal development enhances her leadership, as seen in her recent appointment to the USPA National Board of Directors, where she aims to contribute her insights and foster a supportive environment in the skydiving community.
The Future of Skydiving and Leadership
Amy's recent role as a USPA National Director marks a pivotal shift in her career, as she transitions from athlete to leader while promoting the interests of the skydiving community. Through this position, she intends to advocate for inclusivity and growth within the sport, drawing from her extensive experience in competitive skydiving and community involvement. Recognizing the importance of mentorship and collaboration, she plans to engage with various stakeholders to drive progress and innovation within the industry. With a commitment to passion-driven initiatives and responsible leadership, Amy aspires to leave a lasting impact on the future of skydiving, ensuring it remains a welcoming and thriving community for newcomers and veterans alike.
Amy Chmelecki has spent nearly three decades pushing the boundaries of human flight, amassing over 20,000 skydives and 2,000 hours of wind tunnel time. A true trailblazer, Amy holds an astonishing 25 skydiving world records, 3 world titles, and 9 national titles across disciplines like freefly, freestyle, vertical formation skydiving, and dynamic 4-way.
Amy began her skydiving journey in 1995 at The Ranch in New York and has since become one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. As a proud member of the Red Bull Air Force since 2013, Amy has performed jaw-dropping stunts like flying a wingsuit formation over Manhattan and landing on a barge in the Hudson River. She’s also taken her skills to Hollywood, serving as a skydiving stunt double in films like The Mummy and San Andreas, and performing in high-profile commercials for brands like Verizon and Kia.
Off the screen, Amy is a co-owner of Broken Records LLC and the Highlight Pro Skydiving Team, where she continues to inspire others by organizing groundbreaking events and world record attempts. In 2022, her incredible contributions to the sport were recognized when she was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame.
With a career defined by innovation, passion, and precision, Amy’s story is nothing short of extraordinary.
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