posted Aug 4th, 2010 - The first step has been successfully completed by Mathieu Bernier, Aerodyne Cypres Maubeuge Point in 4-way and in 8-way. He is the only competitor who is a medal contender in both events.

The NSL-TV camera captured live scenes in the landing area when Russia's 8-way team Barkli, the French 8-way and the Golden Knights came down from their final round. All reactions on both ends seemed to confirm that France would have won the meet.

The members of all three teams celebrated the exciting competition, together with the spectators who cheered and asked for autographs and photos with the competitors. France and USA greeted each other like teams do in other sports, such as hockey or soccer.

8-way Open Class competition in Menzelinsk - Landing after Round 10

Now it is time for Mathieu Bernier to switch the button to 4-way. Aerodyne Cypres Maubeuge has a 1-point lead over Arizona Airspeed that he has to defend for three rounds if he wants to become the first person in the history of the sport to win gold medals in 4-way and in 8-way at the same World Championship of Formation Skydiving.

His brother Guillaume Bernier will try to help him, and he also needs the help of his other three team mates, including the team videographer. It is still a long way, at least a whole afternoon in Menzelinsk, maybe another half day tomorrow.

Mathieu Bernier's first attempt failed when his whole team tried to win both events on home turf Maubeuge in 2008. He won 8-way gold medals by then and placed 2nd in 4-way, one single point behind the same Airspeed lineup that tries to be the main obstacle again today. The 4-way teams are in the air for their Round 8.