VIDEO: Birdman nearly lands on Worthing beach in record flight

DELIGHTED Birdman champion Ron Freeman will use his £12,000 prize to go on his first holiday in seven years, the veteran competitor said today (Sunday, July 13).
WH 120714 Worthing Birdman 2014 (Saturday). Ron Freeman - longest flight. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-141207-140727001WH 120714 Worthing Birdman 2014 (Saturday). Ron Freeman - longest flight. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-141207-140727001
WH 120714 Worthing Birdman 2014 (Saturday). Ron Freeman - longest flight. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-141207-140727001

Mr Freeman, from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, in Northumberland, flew 159.1 metres yesterday to become the first man to claim the jackpot prize for the longest forward flight.

He won £10,000 for the flight and £2,000 for winning the Condor class for the serious entrants.

“It’s not about the jackpot,” he said.

WH 120714 Worthing Birdman 2014 (Saturday). Ron Freeman - longest flight. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-141207-140727001WH 120714 Worthing Birdman 2014 (Saturday). Ron Freeman - longest flight. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-141207-140727001
WH 120714 Worthing Birdman 2014 (Saturday). Ron Freeman - longest flight. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-141207-140727001
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“I entered Bognor Birdman for three years without there being a jackpot.

“But me and my wife are going to have a well-deserved holiday. We haven’t had one for seven years.”

Elsewhere, Tony Hughes’s 204.5 metre flight in-line with the pier broke the Birdman distance record, after strong winds prevented competitors attempting to break yesterday’s flights along the jackpot line.

Mr Hughes said: “It’s indescribable. It’s better than booze, better than drugs, it is the best feeling in the world.

“You can’t beat that.”

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The serious flyers were delayed due to the heavy winds and organisers nearly stopped them from flying on safety grounds.

See the video above for the flights, interviews with the pair and more action from Sunday’s fun flyers.

Pick up a copy of the Herald on Thursday, July 17

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