On this day exactly 60 years ago New Zealand’s Edmund Hillary and the Nepalize Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first to ever reach the summit of Mount Everest. Since that time we’ve seen many other exciting expeditions on the world’s tallest mountain, but Russian daredevil Valery Rozov takes the cake. A video released today captures Rozov completing the highest BASE jump of all time—a leap off of Everest’s north face on May 5 from 4.5 miles up.

If you’re not familiar with BASE, it involves jumping from fixed objects—buildings, antanae, spans and earth—using a parachute. For the leap off of Everest, Rozov spent more than two years preparing and even developed a special wingsuit to transform his body into an airfoil and create lift. The jump from the mountain face using the suit allowed Rozov to sail 7,220 through the air, mimicking human flight. Despite adverse weather, Rozov flew for almost a whole minute at more than 120 miles per hour, then landed safely.

Rozof is the first person to ever BASE jump from Mount Everest. The stunt was sponsored by Red Bull—known for its “gives your wings” slogan.

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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