Tragic Loss of Paragliding Prodigy Timo Leonetti
The paragliding community mourns the loss of Timo Leonetti, a young prodigy who tragically died during the French Championships in Plaine Joux (Haute-Savoie) on Friday. Despite being transported in critical condition to Annecy hospital on Thursday, Timo did not survive his injuries.
Timo's paragliding career was impressive, marked by remarkable achievements at just 22 years old. He was a two-time winner of the World XContest in 2022 and 2023 and set numerous world records, including being the first athlete to complete flights of more than 500 km on two continents. His records include 569 km in Brazil in 2021 and 562 km in South Africa in 2023. More recently, Timo set the record for the longest flight in Corsica with 193 km covered in 8 hours last month.
The French Free Flight Federation (FFVL) and his local paragliding club, Futtiventu, expressed their profound sadness over this tragic loss. FFVL remarked on Timo's unmatched passion and dedication to paragliding, noting that he was respected and admired by his peers for his expertise and sportsmanship. Futtiventu highlighted his enthusiasm and the deep void his absence leaves in the paragliding community and among his friends and family.
Timo Leonetti's legacy as a talented and beloved figure in the paragliding world will endure, and his memory will accompany fellow pilots in their future flights.
- The announcement of Timo's death triggered an outpouring of grief and fond memories from the paragliding community across the world. His peers remember him not only for his incredible talent but also for his warm personality and enthusiasm for the sport.
- Those who knew Timo describe him as a beacon of positivity and an inspiring figure in the paragliding circuit. His record-breaking flights showcased his technical prowess and creative approach to challenges in free flight.