Konyukhov beats Steve Fossett’s record of circumnavigating the world by two days, making the 34,000km journey in just 11 days

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

The Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov has broken the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the earth in a hot air balloon.

Konyukhov landed near the small town of Bonnie Rock in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt on Saturday and was embraced by ecstatic family members and friends.

A little bruised and battered from the bumpy landing, Konyukhov left his hot air balloon pod exhausted but smiling.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Fedor Konyukhov in his hot air balloon. He landed near the small town of Bonnie Rock in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt on Saturday. Photograph: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The 64-year-old has beaten the late Steve Fossett’s record of circumnavigating the world by two days, making the 34,000km journey in just 11 days.

“He beat the speed record, the distance record and he will be the first person to fly solo, non-stop around the world from the first attempt,” Konyukhov’s son Oscar told Seven News on Saturday.

Konyukhov battled antarctic winds and temperatures down to -56C while flying at heights of up to 10,000 metres.

He was hooked up to oxygen tanks for most of the trip and hardly slept.

The Australian entrepreneur and fellow adventurer Dick Smith, who was there to see him off, helped crews stabilise the balloon as it hit the ground.

“It’s absolutely fantastic, he’s down and he’s OK, it’s unbelievable,” Smith said.

Having known Konyukhov for 26 years, Smith was one of the first to congratulate and embrace his friend.

Russian adventurer takes off on solo round-the-world hot-air balloon quest Read more

Returning back to his control centre in Northam, Konyukhov embraced his wife Irina and enjoyed a feast prepared by members of the WA Russian community.

Excited locals have been posting photographs of the 64-year-old’s balloon soaring thousands of metres above Perth to social media.

WA police even got on the bandwagon and suggested a new role for the Russian adventurer.

“Stay in #westernaustralia and join our Air Wing!” WA police tweeted.

A Russian orthodox priest, Konyukhov has already climbed Mount Everest twice and travelled to the North and South poles. He’s an artist and has written 17 books.

Konyukhov has planned his next adventure in 2017: crossing Australia from west to east riding a camel.