Image Credit: Yahoo! Japan
Takagishi Hiroyuki of the comedy duo “Timon-D” participated in the “Birdman Contest 2024” on September 4, taking on the challenge of the glider division as a pilot for “Aichi Sogo Tech High School Special Course with T.” It was the first time in six years that a celebrity had entered the competition, with Takagishi flying a glider in his signature orange and setting a record of 102.32 meters. Despite being the lowest among 16 teams, Takagishi expressed pride in surpassing the 100-meter mark.
Known for his larger build—standing at 186.8 cm and weighing 93.5 kg—Takagishi required adjustments to the aircraft, such as an enlarged frame, to accommodate his size. Typically, glider pilots are smaller, averaging 165 cm in height and 55 kg in weight. Despite the challenging wind conditions, Takagishi’s flight was marked by enthusiasm and determination, with the glider adorned with a smiling illustration of himself.
Takagishi announced his participation on his YouTube channel, having served as a cheerleading reporter for the contest in the past two years. He praised the students from Aichi Sogo, who collaborated with him, emphasizing that the flight was a shared effort. “Everyone did a great job getting up to speed,” he remarked, encouraging the team to return home proud of their achievement.
Reflecting on his childhood spent near Lake Biwa, Takagishi found the experience particularly moving, stating that flying over the familiar waters brought back fond memories. He highlighted the importance of perseverance and hoped his participation would inspire others, especially given the challenges posed by his size.
Takagishi’s performance follows a history of celebrity participation in the contest, including Komiya Hironobu’s 192.63-meter flight in 2018 and Seiji Miyane’s record-setting 301.30-meter flight in 2008, demonstrating the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of the Birdman Contest.