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Saturday, May 16, 2026

USPA News

Tom Sanders | D-6503

Tom Sanders | D-6503
Saturday, October 1, 2016

Legendary aerial cinematographer Tom Sanders, D-6503, has filmed skydiving scenes for dozens of movies, including “Drop Zone,” many James Bond films and the original “Point Break,” which inspired thousands of people to become skydivers. His resume also includes countless TV commercials, the award-winning documentary “Over the Edge” and coordinating filming of the 1988 Olympic Rings skydive. In 2005, USPA awarded him its Gold Medal for Meritorious Service. He is the 200th person profiled since this column began in February 2000.

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Article rating: 2.5

Paul "Pop" Poppenhager | D-47

Paul "Pop" Poppenhager | D-47
Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Longtime Florida drop zone owner and instructor Paul “Pop” Poppenhager, D-47, was born in June 1934 and became interested in skydiving at a young age while watching his father jump at airshows.

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Olav Zipser | D-11733

Olav Zipser | D-11733
Monday, June 1, 2015

Olav Zipser spearheaded the freefly revolution of the early 1990s. He, along with a group of jumpers known as the Freefly Clowns, pioneered head-down skydiving and freeflying as we know it today. Zipser founded the Space Games freefly competition and has earned numerous championships and records, as well as an Emmy award for his work on ESPN’s “X-Games.” He has traveled extensively for decades teaching jumpers all over the world his art of freeflying, and his students say he has a Zen-like presence in the sky.

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Article rating: 5.0

Profiles: Carolyn Clay

Profiles: Carolyn Clay
Friday, December 1, 2000
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Article rating: 3.5
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