Fedor Konyukhov Breaks Balloon Circumnavigation Record
Confused Perthites thought they were seeing a UFO over the city today, what they witnessed was a world-record adventure.
Russian adventurist Fedor Konyukhov survived horrific conditions to successfully circumnavigate the Earth in record time.
The balloonist was seen above Perth city around midday local time Saturday, as he headed toward Northam to cross the line finish line of his epic journey.
Fedor Konyukhov circumnavigated the globe in 11 days, six hours. He broke the previous solo attempt set by the late Steve Fosset, at 13 days 12 hours in 2002.
Some images that I took of Russian adventurer, Fedor Konyukhov @cameronballoons #FedorKonyukhov #Balloon @UKNikon pic.twitter.com/M3asisy2YB
— simon galloway (@Simon_Pic_Ed) July 13, 2016
Remarkably, he flew over the same spot where he took off, an incredible feat given how difficult it is to successfully navigate the winds and altitude.
I was in Kings Park when he travelled over the city. He crossed the coast just south of Fremantle and transversed the city; he was over the top of the Perth CBD as cloud cleared and he was then visible to the north-east.
Puzzled Pokemon Go players wondered what the object was, then continued to play rather than watch the spectacle.
Celebrations
The Konyukhov team in Northham celebrated, as their hero crossed the finish line at the exact point he left off 11 days ago.
WATCH: Russian balloonist Fedor Konyukhov breaks world record for fastest circumnavigation of the Earth. #TenNewshttps://t.co/16iIojuBCj
— TEN Eyewitness News (@channeltennews) July 23, 2016
His son said it was a “miracle” that he managed to navigate back to the exact spot.
“As a son, I’m very proud of my father. It’s just difficult to comprehend what he just achieved,” Oscar Konyukhov told ABC News.
Irina Konyukhova sheds tears of happiness hearing her husband's voice, still to land #balloonrecord @abcnewsPerth pic.twitter.com/MIG6EMaQ23
— Laura Gartry (@LGartry) July 23, 2016
