Russia breaks US record for round-the-world balloon trip

Russian tourist Fyodor Konyukhov has broken the world record for traveling around the world in a hot air balloon over 11 days, according to ABC television channel.

Russian tourist Fyodor Konyukhov has broken the world record for traveling around the world in a hot air balloon over 11 days.

The 64-year-old Russian began his flight on July 12 from the west coast of Australia. He plans to break the record set by American Steve Fossett, who flew around the world in a balloon in 13 days.

On Saturday, Mr Konyukhov crossed the final point needed to set a new record. However, the Russian tourist faces the daunting task of reaching the ground before midnight. Konyukhov is expected to touch down in the “wheat belt” region on Australia’s west coast.

Oscar Konyukhov, the tourist's son and one of the team members, described his father's achievement as a miracle.

The main sponsor and organizer of the round-the-world trip project is the "Morton" group of companies.

According to Sputnik