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Jumping 10,000 feet out of an airplane
Posted: 09.10.2011 at 6:27 PM
Ela Soroka

Ela Soroka is a news anchor and reporter with KTVO.

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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- All eyes were on the skies Saturday for the 2011 Cape Air Kirksville Air Festival.

The reason was tandem skydiving

KTVO’s Ela Soroka was brave enough to jump, but of course there was a little hesitation.

“I'm kind of nervous,” Soroka said. “I wasn't nervous until we got here and I pretty much signed my life away so Heartland it was nice knowing you!”

But there was no turning back.

Soroka teamed up with her jumping partner and while the two were strapping on their gear, Soroka got to wondering, does her partner ever get nervous?

“Every time I’m nervous,” laughed skydiving instructor, Robert Roman.

Something Soroka didn't really want to hear.

But that didn’t matter, within minutes the plane started and they began their 20 minute journey, 10,000 feet into the air.

Back on the ground, Jean Gardner was getting ready for her jump. Even though she was wearing a shirt that said she was going through a senior moment, this was something she’s wanted to do for quite some time.

“I’m feeling fine,” said Gardner. “I’m not nearly as nervous as my family is. I turned 80 years old last month so that’s why I want to do this.”

And with her family behind her, Jean got ready for her jump.

“I’m so excited, I can hardly stand it,” Gardner said.

Like the saying goes; what goes up, must come down and that’s exactly what we both did, five minutes later.

“It was awesome, everyone has to do it at least once in their lifetime,” said Soroka. “You have to do it, it’s the greatest feeling, it’s indescribable, and it was great.”

“I feel wonderful and I got to touch a cloud,” said Gardner.

So we had to ask her, would she do it again?

“I will do it when I’m 85 years old,” said Gardner.

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