Skydivers are capable of reaching speeds of up to 500 km/h in freefall. Terminal velocity in a head-down and streamlined body position! Through the forces of gravity alone, these athletes engage in what is arguably the fastest non-powered sport ... until ram-air foils slow their descents. But even then they don't let up on the accelerator.

For an athlete to control his or her body in a truly three-dimensional environment, and for maneuvering the square parachutes at high speeds and close to the ground, supreme concentration and agility are prerequisite.

Canopy piloting, a discipline which evolved from advances made in the aerodynamic design of inflatable wings, and freeflying, the no-holds-barred aerial challenge, put in their second appearance in The World Games. Canopy formation premieres in 2009 Kaohsiung.

Spirits are flying high as the world's top athletes swoop down from the wild blue yonder. The spectators get to follow the skydivers' celestial exploits close-up on a giant outdoor screen set up at the drop zone in the Metropolitan Park. Good vibes, cool sounds and the spectacular action make everyone wish for a set of wings!

Keqing Wang (CHN) came in 14th in the mixed-gender Accuracy Landing of 2005 Duisburg. Men and women generally compete on equal terms in all air sports.

 Parachuting/Skydiving