Zama Mofokeng, a South African gymnast, attempted to set a brand new record for the “most full body revolutions in a backbend position in one minute” in one of the episodes of Stumbo Record Breakers, a South African show that showcases the diverse talents of South Africans.
Zama made his attempt on August 19, 2022, in Germiston, South Africa. The original location for the attempt was in the middle of an athletics field, which proved difficult. The dry loose grass in the athletics track, according to Connie Suggit of Guinness World Records (GWR), was an unstable foundation and didn’t allow Zama’s feet to hold the ground firmly.”
“I think this place is too slippery, so I need to change the position,” Zama said.
“It’s very cold today, it’s about 7 or 8 degrees. The records he’s attempting are extremely physical and obviously, it gets tricky when your body can’t warm up,” said Sofia Greenacare, the official GWR adjudicator that monitored the record attempts.
The task was changed to a more stable ground on the athletics track, where Zama completed the task successfully and set a record with 19 full-body revolutions.
He also attempted to reclaim his two previous records, “most consecutive back handsprings (interlocked hands)” and “most consecutive back handsprings (alternating hands),” but was unable to complete the tasks due to inclement weather.
This latest Guinness World Records title, “most full body revolutions in a backbend position in one minute – 19,” brings his total to four.
In 2021, the gymnast broke three records. Zama broke the records for “most consecutive back handsprings (alternating hands) – 31,” “most consecutive back handsprings (interlocked hands) – 36,” and “most consecutive back handsprings (one hand) – 36” on March 27, 2021 in Tembisa, South Africa.
Zama hopes that his Guinness World Records titles will inspire others to always believe in themselves and to help others understand that anything is possible and achievable. He also wants to build gymnastics schools for South African youth.
Zama was born and raised in Tembisa, South Africa, where proper gymnastics training facilities are unavailable.