I don't like to rate myself; others can do that.

I love a challenge, and trying to become the first person to break the speed of sound in freefall is a challenge like no other.

I want to inspire the next generation. I want to be in mission control with someone younger than me wanting to break my record.

I'm not an adrenaline junkie. It's never been about thrills for me. I'm just someone who loves a challenge.

I'm more a competitive person.

I once wanted to be a stuntman. I was constantly on the front pages when I was a base jumper. But if I were a stuntman, my name would only appear right at the end of the closing credits, even though I'd risked my life for others.

I would've never dreamt that my skydive would trigger such gushing enthusiasm. I still don't really understand exactly what I've accomplished, although I always suspected it would be a truly spectacular moment.