The world is about to witness one of the greatest human feats ever captured on television - when California resident Joby Ogwyn attempts the first wing suit flight off the summit of Mount Everest. The epic event titled EVEREST JUMP LIVE will broadcast live on the Discovery Channel and in 224 countries and territories in May 2014.
"This is history in the making," said Eileen O'Neill, Group President Discovery and
TLC Networks. "Discovery Channel continues to bring live broadcast events unlike anything you'll see on television - from Felix Baumgartner's world record for the highest space jump to Nik Wallenda's incredible tightrope walk across the Grand Canyon."
Discovery will take viewers along the journey with two, one-hour pre-shows revealing Joby's intense training and preparations for Everest. The special will then culminate with a live 2-hour broadcast - showing Joby as he battles the grueling conditions on the way to Everest's summit and ultimately takes the final plunge from the top. Joby's custom-made wingsuit will be equipped with cameras bringing a bird's eye view as he descends more than 10,000 vertical feet at speeds of over 150 mph.
Joby is no stranger to Everest. He first summited the world's highest peak at just 24-years-old, becoming the youngest American to make it to the top. In 2008, Joby set the world record for the fastest ascent of Mt. Everest, climbing from the base of the south side route to the summit in just nine and a half hours (it typically takes 3-4 days). Ever since then, he's searched for the ultimate way to explore the mountain - and now he's found it.
"This will be the final piece of my dream. Ever since I was a kid, I've imagined what it would be like to fly. I can't think of a more spectacular backdrop than Everest," said Joby. "Everything that I've ever accomplished in my life has just been practice for what I'm about to do."
Joby will conduct dozens of test jumps in California, Florida, Utah and the Swiss Alps. After extensive preparation, he will then travel to the Himalayas for final training. After six weeks of acclimatization, Joby and his team will be ready to summit Everest.
But many questions will remain unanswered until he arrives. Will the weather cooperate? Did he bring the right equipment? And has Joby's training actually prepared him for something no human has ever done before?
For most climbers, reaching the summit of Everest is the ultimate dream but for Joby - it's only the beginning.
The live event is produced by Peacock Productions for Discovery with Gretchen Eisele, Colleen Halpin, Benjamin Ringe and Knute Walker serving as Executive Producers. Sharon Scott is President and GM of Peacock Productions. Howard Swartz serves as executive producer for Discovery. Discovery Education will bring the wonder of Everest to students nationwide with interactive content, digital learning experiences and resources found on its suite of digital classroom services. To learn more, go to www.discovery.com/EverestJumpLive, on Facebook at Facebook.com/discovery and on Twitter @Discovery.
About Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 100.8 million U.S. homes, can be seen in 224 countries and territories, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including,
Science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 2 billion cumulative subscribers in over 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying
Curiosity through more than 190 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet,
Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN:
OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK and The Hub. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
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