A 57-year-old Serbian skydiver has completed more than 3,400 parachute jumps and continues to pursue her passion two years after retirement.
Radmila Đurić, from Niš, reached the milestone during the recent Serbian Open Parachuting Championship.
The former member of Serbia’s 63rd Parachute Brigade also reports holding a national freefall record after jumping from an altitude of 9,205 meters.
Despite decades of experience, she says the excitement of skydiving has never disappeared.
Radmila Đurić Continues Skydiving After Retirement
Đurić began parachuting at the age of 20 while serving in Serbia’s military.
During her career, she worked as a parachuting instructor and trained numerous soldiers to perform jumps safely.
She retired two years ago but remained active in the sport.
Today, she represents Arhistratig, a parachuting club that brings together veterans of the 63rd Parachute Brigade.
With more than 3,400 jumps behind her, she describes skydiving as a familiar activity. Nevertheless, every jump remains a unique experience.
Speaking to Serbian media, Đurić recalled her first jump and several memorable achievements throughout her career.
Among them was a jump from 9,205 meters, which she identified as a Serbian national freefall record.
She has also participated in record-setting formation jumps.
In 2011, Đurić joined seven other women in setting a Serbian record for an eight-person skydiving formation above Batajnica Air Base.
The Serbian Ministry of Defense confirmed the achievement at the time.
Experience, Training and Family Support
Although Đurić has completed thousands of jumps, she remembers one occasion when her equipment malfunctioned.
Her main parachute failed to open correctly, forcing her to release it and activate her reserve parachute.
She landed safely.
The incident reinforced the importance of proper training and preparation.
According to Đurić, fear is a natural part of skydiving, particularly for beginners.
However, understanding safety procedures and knowing how to respond during a jump can help reduce that fear.
She also emphasizes the importance of family support throughout a demanding sporting career.
Đurić holds the record for the highest number of parachute jumps by a woman from Niš. She is also among Serbia’s most experienced female skydivers.
Her retirement has not changed her commitment to the sport.
After more than three decades in the air, she continues to train, compete and demonstrate that age does not have to end an adventurous career.
