A Leeds gymnast has broken his own backflip world record ahead of Guinness World Records Day 2021.
Ashley Watson completed a six-metre backflip (19.7ft) between two horizontal bars, his previous record stood at 5.87 metres.
The 29-year-old YouTuber said: “Being able to break my own Guinness World Records title after years of training feels incredible.
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“Back in 2018 when I first broke the record I could never have imagined adding a whole 13cm onto the distance three years later.
“I’m so relieved because my friends and family came out today, took time off of work to come."
He continued: "All this effort, I didn’t want to let anybody down – I’m just relieved that I did it.
“Being able to break my own Guinness World Records title after years of training feels incredible.”
More than 1,000 applications were received from aspiring record-breakers ahead of Guinness World Records (GWR) Day, this year held on November 17.
The day was first marked in 2004 to celebrate GWR becoming the best-selling copyright book of all time.
Alongside Mr Watson’s efforts, other successful attempts this year included the most consecutive cars jumped over on a pogo stick (five), and the fastest time to pull a car 50 metres while walking on hands (1 min 13.27 secs).
GWR adjudicator Alan Pixley said of the UK’s backflipping record-breaker: “Seeing Ash achieve this record was truly spectacular, he totally embodies this year’s theme of super skills.
“Ash and all of this year’s Guinness World Records title-holders are an example of how crafting your skills and strengths can lead you to becoming, officially, amazing.”
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