19 Nov 2012 02:58

Felix during a high altitude training jump in the months leading up to his record breaking freefall.

“The suit was my worst enemy, but it became my friend – because the higher you go, the more you need the suit….I learned to love the suit up there. That’s an even bigger message than flying supersonic.” Felix Baumgartner during an interview with The Guardian.

Earlier this week we asked you for your stories of inspiration - the response was incredible. Although we can’t display all letters, a big THANKS goes out to all of you for sharing. Here’s a sample of our sphere of influence:

“I am 49 years old, and I have been changed forever on the inside by watching Felix make the jump from the stratosphere….then I read on your website that the medical doctor on the team has a special interest in the project because his wife was one of the astronauts on board the shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, and I realized the mission that they were trying to accomplish which is to develop the next level of spacesuits for future astronauts. From that point on, my perspective changed and I wished him complete success….”
-Terry Stewart, Aiken, South Carolina, USA

“…All I can say is that from watching those last 2 hours, from the takeoff and falling like a meteor till Felix kneeled down to his feet. It was amazing. Thank you also to the very reliable YOUTUBE live streaming. Every moment captured in class. Looking forward now for the latest datas recovered. All the way from the Philippines MABUHAY FELIX! AND MABUHAY REDBULL STRATOS MISSION!!” -Gabrielle Cerna

“…To be able to give inspiration and hope to a kid fighting cancer is such a blessing. It makes me want to do something amazing like that and Felix definitely helps inspire me never to settle for anything less than what I want in life and continue to aim high.” -Jeremy Pope, Hobbs, NM

“After watching Felix’s live jump it kind of made me realise if Felix  can jump from space I’m sure as hell i can jump solo at 15,000ft so Felix is the reason I’m not scared anymore and currently saving towards an accelerated freefall course at my local skydive academy.” -@PaulaOCUK

“….Having watched the Jump I finally got the courage to commit to a project I have dreamt of since becoming sober to run 3100 miles across the USA…” -Tom Fitzsimons @dryingout

“…watching space dive and seeing how the team worked together solving problems, gave me some ideas to help me work with my team, as a British Soldier a team is most important and keep working hard towards my goals never mind how hard or distant they may be…” -Neil Buckley, UK

“I have suffered years for fear of flying, but now it seemed somehow
ridiculously small thing. The event made me realize how interesting
and exciting flying can be. Felix gave me a whole new perspective on
the matter…” -Laura Arffman, Finland

“I think that Felix showed many people how to cope with problems and fears. Thank you so much for carrying out such project.” -Kate, Poland

Tags: Red Bull Stratos, Felix Baumgartner, The Guardian, inspiration, space jump