\ud83d\udc49 Vote for Craig Girard<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Andres-Mesa-683x1024.jpg\")
Four Decades at the Top of the Sport<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Born and raised in Arizona, Craig has dedicated more than four decades to the sport of skydiving. Known to most simply as \u201cSarge,\u201d he is one of the most decorated formation skydivers in history, a true benchmark of excellence in both 4-way and 8-way competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- 3 World Championships<\/strong> in 8-way (1989, 1991, 1993)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2 World Cup victories<\/strong> (1988, 1990)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- 8 World Championships<\/strong> (five in 8-way, two in 4-way)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 18 U.S. National Championships<\/strong> in 8-way<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 6 U.S. National Championships<\/strong> in 4-way<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 5 World Cups<\/strong> in 8-way and 2 in 4-way<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Craig also played a central role in the sport\u2019s most ambitious large formation records: the 300-way, 357-way, and 400-way world records, milestones that showcased skydiving teamwork at the highest level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Jason-Peters-788x1024.jpg\")
Photo by Jason Peters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\nBeyond Competition<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Beyond medals and records, Craig\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also served as Chief Freefall Instructor at Skydive Dubai, helping develop one of the most advanced and visible programs in the modern era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Mike-McGowan-819x1024.jpg\")
Photo by Mike McGowan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\nWhy It Matters<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Craig\u2019s nomination to the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame represents more than an individual achievement, it\u2019s an opportunity to shine a light on skydiving as a sport and the athletes who have elevated it through decades of dedication and excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s come together as a community to celebrate one of our own.
\ud83d\udc49 Cast your vote for Craig Girard today.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nVoting closes October 10<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Craig is supported by his sponsors: Sun Path Products, Inc<\/strong><\/a>,\u00a0Performance Designs<\/strong><\/a>,Cookie Helmets<\/strong><\/a>,\u00a0Vigil, Skydive Arizona, Tonysuits, LB Altimeters<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 18 U.S. National Championships<\/strong> in 8-way<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2 World Cup victories<\/strong> (1988, 1990)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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