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By Citizen Reporter

Journalist


WATCH: SA skateboarder breaks Guinness World record

Capetonian Jean-marc Johannes says he attempted the feat to make other youngsters realise they can achieve anything.


Jean-marc Johannes, a South African skateboarder, broke the Guinness World record for most Nollie Heelflips in one minute earlier this week.

Faced with the prospect of having to beat the record of eight, the Capetonian effortlessly eclipsed that with an incredible 14 in 60 seconds.

A Nollie Heelflip is a combination move that’s not easy to do.

A Nollie is performed when a skateboarder jumps without the aid of a ramp and rather uses the nose of the skateboard.

Then, he or she has to kick the skateboard with his or her back heel and make it spin.

“I attempted to break this record for South African skateboarding,” said Jean-marc.

“When kids see this, I hope to invoke a sense of confidence in them. I want them to believe they can do anything. That was my ultimate goal. I’ve idolised international skaters that have achieved records such as this one and thought I had to give it a shot for SA.”

Currently, Jean-marc is one of only three South African skateboarders qualified to compete on the international circuit, where he rides among the top 50 skaters in Europe.

As an action sports athlete, Jean-marc is considered one of the Top 100 globally.

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