An historic medal has come home with Team Canada in a unique sport.
The 2026 FAI World Parachuting Championships in Wingsuit and Canopy Formation brought together elite skydivers from around the world for a week of high-level competition, international collaboration, and unforgettable experiences.
Held October 8–14 at Skydive Lake Elsinore, California, the championships challenged athletes with extreme heat, changing weather conditions, and demanding competition schedules. Team Canada returned home with a bronze medal, new Canadian records, and valuable experience on the international stage.
Representing Canada were athletes competing in canopy formation, wingsuit performance, and wingsuit acrobatics. The Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA) was led by Head of Delegation Lee Bibby from Belleville.
Canada brought home its medal through Team Cyclone and its four-way canopy formation rotations.
The team consisted of Vincent Coulombe, Jean De Ladurantaye, Simon Coulombe, Martin Dumas, and camera flyer Cecile Duval.
The achievement was particularly significant, Bibby stated, as it marked Canada’s first medal in the rotations discipline since 1994.
Canadian athletes also achieved notable results in wingsuit disciplines.
Bradley Meyer recorded two wingsuit performance records longest time of 98.1and 103.1 seconds, while Team Just in Beavers, consisting of Philippe Boisjoli, Daniel Lacasse, and camera flyer Simon Gélinas, achieved a notable 4th place result in wingsuit acrobatics.
Canadian and North American FAI record achievements were also set during the event by Canadians.
Bibby stated it was a privilege to lead the delegation and learn from the athletes on such a huge stage.
“Despite the challenges posed by weather, logistics, and communication, Team Canada demonstrated commitment and professionalism throughout the event,” Bibby expressed.
“The bronze medal in canopy formation rotations and the achievements in wingsuit disciplines provided reasons to celebrate, while the lessons learned will help strengthen future Canadian delegations.”
Photo: Submitted
Photo: Submitted
