During his flight, Japanese athlete Reu Kobayashi managed to reach a speed of over 100 km/h, achieving a monumental milestone in his career and solidifying his place in the world of high-speed sport.
Kobayashi, 27, is no stranger to extreme sports. A former professional snowboarder, he quickly made a name for himself in the world of speed flying when he transitioned to the sport in 2014. Speed flying, a combination of skiing and paragliding, involves flying down a slope at high speeds while maneuvering a small, lightweight paraglider.
On the day of his record-breaking flight, Kobayashi took to the skies at Mount Takao in Tokyo. Despite the challenging weather conditions, he was determined to push his limits and test his abilities. As he soared down the mountain, he could feel his adrenaline pumping and the rush of the wind against his face.
With years of training and experience under his belt, Kobayashi skillfully navigated his way through the twists and turns of the mountain, reaching a speed of 100.2 km/h. This impressive achievement not only set a new personal record for Kobayashi but also broke the previous world record of 99.2 km/h set by Frenchman Antoine Montant in 2013.
“I have been dreaming of this moment for years,” Kobayashi exclaimed, beaming with pride and excitement. “To be able to reach this speed is a dream come true and a testament to all the hard work and dedication I have put into this sport.”
Kobayashi’s record-breaking flight was not only a personal accomplishment but also a significant milestone for the sport of speed flying in Japan. While still relatively new to the country, speed flying has been gaining popularity, and Kobayashi’s achievement has helped shine a spotlight on this thrilling and adrenaline-fueled sport.
“I hope that my achievement will inspire others to try speed flying and push their limits,” Kobayashi shared. “It’s an incredible feeling to fly at such high speeds, and I want others to experience that same thrill and excitement.”
Kobayashi’s speed flying journey began when he switched from snowboarding to speed riding, a similar sport that combines skiing with paragliding. This eventually led him to speed flying, and he hasn’t looked back since. Though challenging and at times dangerous, Kobayashi is drawn to the feeling of freedom and adrenaline that speed flying gives him.
“I feel most alive when I am flying,” he explained. “There is a sense of freedom that comes with being up in the air, and the rush of adrenaline keeps me coming back for more.”
Aside from his passion for the sport, Kobayashi is also a certified instructor and teaches speed flying to those who are interested. He hopes to encourage more people to try the sport and experience the same sense of adventure and freedom that he does.
Kobayashi’s incredible feat has inspired many and has put Japan on the map when it comes to speed flying. He hopes that his record-breaking flight will encourage others to push their limits and achieve their dreams, just as he did.
In the world of speed flying, Reu Kobayashi’s name will forever be etched in history as the first Japanese athlete to reach a speed of over 100 km/h. A true testament to his determination, skill, and passion for the sport, Kobayashi’s achievement will continue to motivate and inspire speed flyers all around the world.
