A lifetime of skydiving excellence earns Craig Girard a shot at Arizona’s Hall of Fame
Legendary formation skydiver Craig Girard has been nominated for the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of achievement, leadership, and impact within the sport of skydiving. Out of 51 athletes nominated across all disciplines, including football, baseball, basketball, and hockey, only a handful will be inducted.
Voting is open now through October 10, and one vote per person can make a difference. You can cast your vote here:
👉 Vote for Craig Girard
Four Decades at the Top of the Sport
Born and raised in Arizona, Craig has dedicated more than four decades to the sport of skydiving. Known to most simply as “Sarge,” he is one of the most decorated formation skydivers in history, a true benchmark of excellence in both 4-way and 8-way competition.
Craig made his first jump in 1981, joining the elite U.S. Army Golden Knights in 1986. Over the next decade, he helped lead the team to:
- 3 World Championships in 8-way (1989, 1991, 1993)
- 2 World Cup victories (1988, 1990)
After leaving the Army, Craig joined the legendary Arizona Airspeed, where his competitive momentum only grew. As a core team member, he contributed to one of the most dominant eras in formation skydiving history, amassing:
- 8 World Championships (five in 8-way, two in 4-way)
- 18 U.S. National Championships in 8-way
- 6 U.S. National Championships in 4-way
- 5 World Cups in 8-way and 2 in 4-way
Craig also played a central role in the sport’s most ambitious large formation records: the 300-way, 357-way, and 400-way world records, milestones that showcased skydiving teamwork at the highest level.
Beyond Competition
Beyond medals and records, Craig’s influence extends deep into the global skydiving community. As a coach and mentor, he has shaped the careers of countless athletes and teams around the world, setting a standard of discipline, humility, and technical mastery.
He also served as Chief Freefall Instructor at Skydive Dubai, helping develop one of the most advanced and visible programs in the modern era.
In recognition of his career and contributions, Craig was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2012. Today, with more than 32,000 jumps and over 40 years in the sport, his leadership continues to inspire.
Why It Matters
Craig’s nomination to the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame represents more than an individual achievement, it’s an opportunity to shine a light on skydiving as a sport and the athletes who have elevated it through decades of dedication and excellence.
Let’s come together as a community to celebrate one of our own.
👉 Cast your vote for Craig Girard today.
Voting closes October 10.
Craig is supported by his sponsors: Sun Path Products, Inc, Performance Designs,Cookie Helmets, Vigil, Skydive Arizona, Tonysuits, LB Altimeters
