"Felix Baumgartner intentionally missed the free fall time record by a few seconds to not take every single record away from the previous holder, Joseph Kittinger, who held them for 52 years."
Although this shows respect and admiration for Felix Baumgartner on one hand, overall it lowers the value of the game and of the players. The contests' value relies in its genuineness and it catches a cheap feel when some strong contender does not run in it wholeheartedly. Joseph Kittinger holding a world record for 52 years is a spectacular feat that won't loose any value if it was indeed unrivaled by contenders despite their best efforts all those years. That title won't, however, hold the same value from 52nd year further, knowing it lasts just because Felix Baumgartner decided to let it. Winning prizes are not charity.
Although this shows respect and admiration for Felix Baumgartner on one hand, overall it lowers the value of the game and of the players. The contests' value relies in its genuineness and it catches a cheap feel when some strong contender does not run in it wholeheartedly. Joseph Kittinger holding a world record for 52 years is a spectacular feat that won't loose any value if it was indeed unrivaled by contenders despite their best efforts all those years. That title won't, however, hold the same value from 52nd year further, knowing it lasts just because Felix Baumgartner decided to let it. Winning prizes are not charity.