SIBU: The executive officer of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) here Rudy Anoi yesterday made world record when he became the first tandem BASE jumper in the world to leap from a building held by another jumper on parachute.

This was confirmed by Australian BASE Jumping president Gary Cunningham, who said others had taken part in tandem BASE jumping, but, not from a building.

He said Rudy made the jump with the tandem BASE jump master Sean Chuma before 10am on the fine morning of the second day of the event yesterday.

The 34-year-old Sean Chuma is also a professional athlete from Twin Falls, Idaho, USA.

Rudy, when asked on his feeling about being the first local to leap off Wisma Sanyan, said: “I am on the top of the world. I am the man of the world….. It is the sweetest gift for my coming 44th birthday which falls on Oct 1.

“The feeling was awesome. I am speechless because it is my first time in the dare-devil challenge,” he said.

Rudy is also the event director of Sibu BASE Jump.

When asked whether he would take up BASE jumping as a hobby after yesterday’s experience, Rudy said, “If I have the budget, I may because the extreme sport delivers kicks. I love floating in the air and the fly-high feeling that releases tension.”

Meanwhile, Gary Cunningham gave Rudy a pat on the back for his achievement yesterday morning.

The Australian jumper said it needed courage for one to leap off the building.

“Rudy has gained the courage. Others can do it too,” he remarked.

Gary said Wisma Sanyan was ideal not only for BASE jumping but for tandem BASE jumping too.

He thanked the host for the event, saying the jumpers who converged in Sibu had felt the friendship of the town and the warm hospitality of the townsfolk.