Mack and Zara Rutherford, solo around-the-world aviators and siblings, added to their tally of records on Tuesday, winning an award previously held by Lewis Hamilton and Richard Branson.
The British-Belgian siblings became the youngest recipients of the prestigious Segrave Trophy, awarded by the Royal Automobile Club. The award was first given in 1930 and boasts winners from aviation pioneers to motorsport legends.
Mack made a name for himself as the youngest certified pilot at 15. He was just 16 when he began his global voyage from Sofia, Bulgaria, establishing him as the youngest person to fly solo worldwide at 17.
Zara, on the other hand, at 19, became the youngest female pilot to traverse a 32,000-mile journey across 51 countries in a Shark microlight aircraft that operates on regular gas station fuel. Her adventure took five months due to weather-related delays in Russia and Alaska.
Zara joins the exclusive group of four women who have previously won the Segrave Trophy, an award given to British adventurers exhibiting exceptional skill, bravery, and initiative in land, sea, or air travel. Zara is the youngest woman to have done so.
Zara recalled one of her memorable moments to Reuters TV, “The incredible experience of flying over Central Park at 1,000 feet in New York was a massive high for me; it was cool.” She is currently studying electrical engineering at Stanford University. Her flight journey also included passing over an active volcano in Iceland, navigating tropical thunderstorms near Singapore, and the harsh Siberian cold.
Mack, who surpassed the record established by 18-year-old Briton Travis Ludlow in 2021, had an unexpected landing on a deserted island following his Pacific Ocean crossing. His travel plans were altered due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Segrave Trophy’s past laureates include Formula One racing drivers like Stirling Moss, Bruce McLaren, Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, and Lewis Hamilton. Donald Campbell, a 1950s and 60s world land and water speed record holder, and Amy Johnson, a 1930s aviation pioneer and the first woman to fly solo from London to Australia, are also distinguished recipients.
Interestingly, Mack only passed his driving test just over a week ago. “It must be a record, getting your driver’s licence and the Segrave Trophy within a week,” Zara joked, who begins a placement with the Renault-owned Alpine Formula One team next week. Her ultimate ambition is to become an astronaut.
“It feels very surreal,” she added.
The Rutherford siblings’ extraordinary journey is a testament to their determination, courage, and passion for aviation. They have set a new benchmark for young adventurers worldwide and further enriched the rich heritage of the Segrave Trophy. As they continue to push boundaries, Zara with her sights set on space and Mack freshly armed with a driving license, there’s no telling what other records these young aviators will break.
