Jackie Smith
Jackie Smith’s skydiving journey began in the Women’s Royal Army Corps of the British military. She joined the Red Devils Free Fall Display Team in 1971. Two years later, in 1973, she made history when she became the first woman awarded the parachute regiment’s red beret.
Over many years, Jackie competed for the British Parachute Association in style, accuracy, and formation skydiving. She was part of BPA’s teams, distinguishing herself on both military and civilian competition stages.
In 1978, at the World Parachuting Championships in Yugoslavia, Jackie won gold in women’s accuracy. Her performance was so strong that she also beat all the male competitors in accuracy. In that same event she achieved a remarkable feat: she was the first skydiver ever to hit dead center on the electronic scoring pad in all ten rounds, a record that earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Less than a year later, Jackie earned both gold and silver medals in formation skydiving at international competitions.
After stepping back from top level competition Jackie became a widely respected coach. She became renowned throughout Europe for her work mentoring new competitors, passing on her depth of knowledge in accuracy, style, freefall discipline, and competitive rigour.
Jackie’s status as a pioneer, competitor and leader was formally recognized when she was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2013.
Her courage, consistency, and groundbreaking achievements opened doors for women in military skydiving and beyond, and her records and coaching continue to inspire skydivers across generations.
