STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — On Wednesday, a seasoned, hall-of-fame, world champion skydiver made a stop in the Poconos on a mission to make it to 1,000 jumps.
"I like to fly and I like to fly like a bird by myself with no airplane so that's why I love skydiving," said 85-year-old Hall of Fame Skydiver Kim Emmons Knor.
Emmons Knor has her eyes on the prize, a prestigious pair of gold wings from the United States Parachute Association that comes with meeting a milestone.
"I'm trying to go for 1,000 jumps," Emmons Knor explained.
It's a journey she's been on for more than 60 years.
"And it's taken me a long time, I started jumping in 1959," Emmons Knor added.
Since her start in the sport, Emmons Knor has been named a World Champion after winning the gold with the first-ever US Women's National Team in 1962.
Horse saved after falling into pit in Columbia CountyHer achievements also earned her a spot in the International Skydiving Hall of Fame. After making 550 jumps, she had to put a pause on her passion for 37 years.
"Life gets in the way and got a family and raised the kids and everything," Emmons Knor continued.
Following the growth of her children and the passing of her husband, Emmons Knor decided to put on the parachute once again, selling her home in Colorado and traveling cross country in an RV, driving herself to new friends and new destinations.
"I love it. I love visiting all these dropzones," Emmons Khor said.
Her story serves as a reminder:
"If you have an opportunity to try something and it's something that you think would be fun then go ahead and try it. I mean you don't know until you try it once. Maybe it's for you maybe it's not you know. But at least you've tried it," Emmons Knor explained.
Emmons Knor says she's not stopping her thrill-seeking any time soon.
"I'm 85 years old, I figure I've got about 20 years left to jump and play!" Emmons Knor said.
Wednesday marks 671 jumps for Kim. Her next stop is Niagra Falls.