A former competitive gymnast has achieved a breathtaking new world record by performing a stunning series of backflips on the roof of one of London's most iconic venues.
Record-Breaking Feat on a London Landmark
Lucie Colebeck, aged 29, successfully completed 17 standing backwards somersaults in just 30 seconds while perched atop the O2 Arena in South East London. This remarkable performance smashed the previous women's record, which stood at 14 backflips.
The record attempt, officially recognised by Guinness World Records, marks Colebeck's second title with the organisation. Despite retiring from competitive gymnastics at the age of 22, after beginning her tumbling career at just nine years old, she continues to push her physical limits.
Conquering the Elements
Speaking to the BBC, Lucie revealed that the outdoor setting presented unique difficulties she hadn't fully anticipated. "I love a challenge and I thought 'it is only 30 seconds – how bad can it be?'" she said. "It was actually extremely windy, I've never really done backflips outside so I didn't really think about the external factors."
She described the environment as far more challenging than a gym, citing the wind and the completely different flooring. The firm surface of the O2's roof was a world away from the trampolines and softer surfaces she was accustomed to. To prepare for this, Colebeck even trained by doing backflips on pavements to acclimatise to the hard ground.
A Venue for Future Record-Breakers
The choice of the O2 Arena was particularly significant. Guinness World Records is set to open its first permanent entertainment venue at the iconic location in late 2026.
The new venue aims to merge social competition with the thrill of record-breaking, offering visitors the unique opportunity to potentially leave as a record-holder themselves, following in the footsteps of trailblazers like Lucie Colebeck.
