Human-Powered Flying Competition - The Birdman of Bognor

One from our archives - The Birman of Bognor competition from 2003.
Contestants aimed high but mainly took a dive in the 25th International Birdman of Bognor competition. There are three categories in this colourful and humorous display of
man's determination to fly. The 'Magnificent Flight' category is for the more serious contender armed with a hand glider.
Those entering the 'Leonardo Da Vinci' category take pride in their wacky costumes and often plummeting performance off the Bognor Regis pier. This year's Birdman competition also attracted Sir Richard Branson who openly admits to a love of flying. Virgin Atlantic sponsored this year's event as part of a celebration to commemorate 100 years of flight. The centenary on December 17 marks the Wright brothers' first successful sustained controlled flight in a powered aircraft.
There are a few rules to the annual competition. Contestants must be over 16 years of age and no competitor may use wings exceeding a 30 feet span, either flapping or gliding. Taking into account the bumpy landing, those entering the competition must be able to swim at least 100 metres unassisted.
Despite the hilarity, the judge's decision is final and this year's winner was Ron Freeman, a hand gliding instructor. Freeman glided into first place achieving a distance of 81.2 metres in 11.42 seconds. This is the sixth consecutive year Freeman has won the title however the elusive jackpot of 25,000 pounds sterling for reaching 100 metres remained untouched for another year.
These are the news rushes from the day.

[@ronfreeman9385]

So important getting the wind not too strong or not too light Magic weekend !

[@Chaosfury50]

Lmfao the fucking Concord

[@therighteousmallard8621]

Bacon and sausages

[@suiseiuchuno7381]

Oo

[@thestrongman11]

juajaujuajuajujua this is clown competition 🤣😂🤣

[@alexdec9744]

Altra mondezza da smaltire !!! Tanto ce nè poca !!!! Ridicoli, non c'è nulla da ridere.