Full Breakdown
97-Year-Old Betty Bromage Breaks Her Own Guinness Record as Oldest Female Wing Walker
8/8/2026, 9:24:01 PM
Record-Breaking Wing Walk on August 4
On August 4, 97-year-old Betty Bromage of Cheltenham was strapped to the wing of a biplane at RFC Rendcomb Airfield and flown upside-down, completing a loop-the-loop and a barrel roll. The five-minute flight satisfied Guinness World Records’ requirement for a wing-walking attempt, allowing her to claim the title of the world’s oldest female wing walker for a second time.
Background & Context
Wing walking—standing or sitting on an aircraft’s wing while it is in flight—has long been a niche extreme sport. Bromage first tried the stunt at age 87 in 2016, after moving into assisted living and seeking new challenges. She set the Guinness record for the oldest female wing walker in 2022 at age 93 and 145 days. A stroke in August 2025 left her with speech difficulties, but she returned to the wing a year later, using the event to raise funds for the stroke unit at Cheltenham General Hospital, which had cared for her after the illness.
Timeline
- 2016 – First wing walk at age 87.
- 2022 – Established Guinness record at age 93 and 145 days.
- August 2025 – Suffered a stroke; received treatment at Cheltenham General Hospital.
- August 4 – Completed sixth wing walk at age 97 years 127 days, breaking her own record.
Data & Statistics
- Age at record: 97 years 127 days.
- Number of wing walks: Six total (first at 87, latest at 97).
- Flight requirements: Minimum five minutes in the air, including take-off and landing.
- Altitude: Approximately 3,000 feet.
- Speed: Up to 150 mph.
- Charitable outcome: Proceeds directed to the stroke unit at Cheltenham General Hospital.
Official Statements & Responses
- Guinness World Records confirmed the new record and noted that Harry Heasman holds the corresponding male record, also using his flight for charity.
- Hospital staff highlighted the fundraising as vital for purchasing equipment and supporting patient care.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Personally, the thought of lying in a bed and not doing anything terrifies me,” — Betty Bromage, an ITV reporter
- “As long as I'm alive, I've got to do things,” — Betty Bromage, an ITV reporter
Why It Matters
Bromage’s repeat record underscores the role of extreme-sport achievements in charitable fundraising, directly supporting a local stroke unit. Her public statements also challenge age-related stereotypes, illustrating that personal ambition can persist despite health setbacks. The event received wide media coverage, inspiring discussions about active aging and community support for healthcare services.
What’s Next
During a post-flight interview, Bromage indicated she is already contemplating a “something special” stunt for when she reaches 100 years old, suggesting that her wing-walking pursuits may continue beyond the current record.
