San Jose

San Jose Man Attempts World Record With Magic Trick While Skydiving

The last record was set in 1955.

A South Bay man took a run at a world record last week by performing a magic trick 10,000 feet in the air.

San Jose resident Pete Gradowski on Thursday challenged a 60-year record by transforming a silk handkerchief into a cane while skydiving. Acclaimed magician J.C. Dunn performed the same act in 1955 while he was 5,000 feet above the ground.

"Thank God I didn’t drop the cane," Gradowski said. "We had one shot to get this right."

According to Gradowski, Guinness World Records officials have confirmed that he broke the record but official results are still pending.

However, Sofia Rocher, a Guiness World Records spokesperson, clarified that the organization has received his application, but "it has not yet been reviewed nor has the applicant provided any evidence of their attempt."

Skydive Surf City instructors helped Gradowski maneuver the cane during practice sessions and also created a special holder that would catch the cane in case it fell. The tandem team practiced for about six months before finally making the jump.

Only a handful of other magicians have attempted advanced magic tricks while at high altitudes.

Gradowski hopes that by sharing a video of his stunt on YouTube, younger generations might be motivated to pursue magic as a pastime or hobby.

"Gone are the tuxedos, top hats and bunnies," he said. "Because of this, breaking a long-held record reinforces magic as hip."

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