Australian Story: May 3

Following this week’s Australian Story featuring Olympic swimmer Meagen Nay, next week’s edition continues on a sporting note, with an intimate portrait of Chris ‘Dooggs’ McDougall – world renowned B.A.S.E jumper and skydiver.

McDouggall was brought to mainstream attention following the notorious ‘kiss of death’ –watching helplessly as his girlfriend plummeted to her death, just seconds after they shared a mid-air kiss on her 200th B.A.S.E jump in 2004.

Free spirit, thrill-seeker or lawbreaker? This B.A.S.E jumping pioneer challenges convention and embodies the true definition of ‘fearless’.

“If you’re religious, if you’re monogamous, if you don’t like drugs and alcohol, if you don’t like carnage and chaos, then turn away now because that’s what my whole life is about.” – Chris ‘Dooggs’ McDougall.

“If Dooggs’ sport was as mainstream as cricket or tennis or golf, he’d be one of Australia’s heroes.” – Holly Payze, friend.

By his own estimation, Dooggs has lost around fifty mates participating in the sport he loves.

He watched as his girlfriend plunged to her death on her 200th skydive, moments after they shared a mid-air kiss.

Yet the 33-year-old world champion continues to test the limits of human peril.

His B.A.S.E jump from Queensland’s iconic Q1 skyscraper in 2007 earned him the ire of Australian authorities. Conversely, he was hailed a hero in Asia, where his spectacular plummet from Petronas Towers in 2004 was celebrated by Malaysia’s Prime Minister.

Dooggs epitomises the creed, ‘carpe diem’, but his life choices have the ability to polarise.

Some envy and respect his lifestyle, viewing him as truly free of the burdens of modern society. Others see him as an immature escapee from societal responsibility.

Despite the scrutiny, Dooggs is indisputably living by his own code.

This edition provokes reflection about conservative everyday life by exploring a unique Australian character, who has confronted his own mortality and opted to capitalise on every waking moment.

It airs 8pm Monday on ABC1.