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The father of bungee jumping, A.J.  Hackett, broke a  world record yesterday by leaping off the Macau Tower and plunging 199 metres.

Hackett, a 48-year-old New Zealander, dived from a point 233 metres above the ground to break his own Guinness world record for 'the highest bungee jump from a building' of 180 metres, set in Auckland in 1998.

Hong Kong singer and actor Edison Chen Koon-hei  also performed a thrilling plunge from the same height for a new Guinness world record for 'the highest commercial bungee jump'. His diving length, which has not yet been announced, was slightly shorter than Hackett's.

After touching down, Hackett said it had been one of the biggest rushes of his life and from one of the highest sites in the world. 'I feel great getting my feet back on the ground.'

The daredevil said he was happy with the result, although he had failed to achieve an intended 219 metres. Strong winds had forced him to shorten the drop.

'This morning, I didn't think we'd be able to do it today,' he said. 'But we figured out a way to fix up the rope.'

A large crowd of Chen's fans held their breath when their pop idol fell from the tower. The actor-singer was taking the challenge to help promote the Macau Tower's bungee jump business, which will be open to the public tomorrow.

The tower has been offering the less challenging 'skyjump' with a rope tied to the back instead of the feet.

Having kept his cool before the plunge, Chen had a tear in his eye soon after the touchdown. But he insisted he was not crying because of excitement. 'I think it's because of the wind blowing into my eyes,' he said. 'You'd have tears if you were going down at 200km an hour.'

Hackett said he was impressed with Chen's   attempt:  'It is really amazing for someone without basic training in bungee jumping.'

Hackett said he would keep going for new heights and records. 'We've been doing this for 20 years, always looking for higher spots.'



Jumping for joy - and records - in Macau