Two-time world wingsuit skydiving champion Pierre Wolnik has died following a tragic accident during a high-risk jump over Mont Blanc.<\/p>\n
According to reports, the 37-year-old athlete was attempting a free-fall descent on Saturday, February 7, above the Mont Blanc massif \u2014 the highest peak in the French Alps. The planned stunt involved leaping from a helicopter and free-falling for several seconds before deploying his parachute for a controlled landing.<\/p>\n
French newspaper Le Figaro reported that Wolnik\u2019s parachute failed to deploy. He subsequently fell to the ground, with first responders later locating his body in the village of Les Bossons. He was pronounced dead at the scene.<\/p>\n
Wolnik was widely regarded as one of the most talented figures in the sport skydiving world. A two-time Freefly World Champion, he claimed the prestigious title in both 2022 and 2024, cementing his reputation on the international stage. He was also selected as a member of the French team for the upcoming 2026 FAI World Championships.<\/p>\n
Beyond competition, Wolnik worked as a videographer for the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Fran\u00e7aise de Parachutisme, documenting aerial performances and sharing footage of his training and jumps with a large social media following. His work allowed fans a rare glimpse into the precision, discipline, and artistry behind elite skydiving.<\/p>\n
In a statement shared on Facebook, Yves-Marie Guillaud, President of the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Fran\u00e7aise de Parachutisme, paid tribute to the late athlete.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe entire sport skydiving community mourns the loss of a talented young man with such a warm smile,\u201d Guillaud wrote. \u201cOur condolences go first and foremost to his family and loved ones, but also to his teammates and the entire French national artistic skydiving team, and more generally to all French national teams. May the memory of this exceptional skydiver fill our hearts as skydivers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Fran\u00e7aise de Parachutisme also honored Wolnik in a separate Instagram post, describing him as \u201ca videographer with the French National Artistic Parachuting Team and two-time Freefly World Champion in 2022 and 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPierre leaves behind the memory of a teammate whose presence will forever be etched in the hearts of his loved ones,\u201d the organization wrote. \u201cToday, the entire sport parachuting community mourns and pays tribute to a young man renowned for his talent and exceptional character.\u201d<\/p>\n
Just weeks before the fatal accident, Wolnik shared a video on social media of himself and fellow athletes training in a wind tunnel, captioned: \u201cNothing beats winter four-way training at home.\u201d The clip now stands as one of his final public posts, capturing his continued passion for the sport.<\/p>\n
His death has sent shockwaves through the international skydiving community, where he was admired not only for his skill but also for his dedication and spirit.<\/p>\n
Rest in peace, Pierre Wolnik.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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