Page 35 - TalkTalk

Georgina Bella

Georgina gave up her career as a social worker to become a
professional acrobatic parachutist.

‘I first tried parachute jumping in my teens, but didn't particularly like it.
Then, in my mid-20s I visited the States and went on a jump with a friend.
I was hooked straight away. I like being in the air and the freedom it gives
me, and the fact that you can't switch off - you really have to concentrate or you
put the rest of the team in jeopardy. I think I'm a level-headed and calm person, so I rarely
panic in a difficult situation. I have been in danger though. One time another member of the team
jumped out of the plane too quickly, landed on me and knocked me out. Fortunately, someone else saw it
happen and grabbed hold of me. We landed together with me still unconscious, which is a very difficult
manoeuvre. The accident damaged my confidence, but within weeks I was back jumping again.’

USEFUL VOCABULARY

Dotted line: officially agree to do something by
signing a document
Tip-off: a piece of information given informally and
confidentially
Raid: a rapid surprise attack on an enemy by armed
forces
Stretch: expanse of water
Domestic: related to the house
Cautious: careful
Parachutist: a person who uses a parachute and
jumps from high altitudes
Hooked: Addicted
Jeopardy: Risk/danger
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