Athlete Lily Smith has redefined the meaning of high-flying gymnastics by performing a breathtaking balance beam routine 52 stories above street level in Manhattan. The thrilling spectacle, which took place on 16th January 2026, saw the elite gymnast combine artistry with sheer nerve on a rooftop overlooking the city.
A Routine Defying Gravity and Fear
The daring sequence, choreographed by Smith herself, was not for the faint-hearted. Executed on a beam positioned an additional 9.5 feet off the rooftop surface—effectively twice the standard competition height—the routine featured a series of complex manoeuvres. The most demanding of these was a stunning front-toss-pike, a move requiring immense precision and control even at ground level.
Smith, a five-time All-American NCAA gymnastics star and Red Bull athlete renowned for scoring perfect 10s, relied on her rigorous training to maintain composure. She utilised specific breathing and visualisation techniques to execute the routine flawlessly in the extreme conditions, blending elements from her rhythmic gymnastics background with classical ballet's grace.
The Brand Collaboration Behind the Spectacle
This once-in-a-lifetime performance was the centrepiece of the first-ever collaborative campaign between cosmetics giant Rimmel London and energy drink brand Red Bull. The event was staged specifically to launch Rimmel's new Thrill Seeker Mega Lift Mascara.
Janine Fernandes from Rimmel London commented on the partnership, stating: "Partnering with Red Bull on this adrenaline-fuelled project, 52 stories above the ground, is an incredible moment for Rimmel. Lily's extraordinary achievement and fearless ambition mirrors our own heritage of empowering bold self-expression."
Carrying the Fearless Mindset into Competition
For Lily Smith, the stunt was more than just a promotional event; it was a profound personal challenge that aligns with her athletic philosophy. "Performing this routine in such a unique and unusual setting, ahead of my college season, was a total thrill for me," Smith said. "This challenge reflects what I strive for in my sport - pushing limits, embracing creativity, and expressing my own style."
She intends to channel the confidence gained from this high-altitude feat into her 2026 competition season, aiming to remain "calm, confident, and completely fearless, always." The event successfully fused the worlds of extreme sport, beauty innovation, and marketing spectacle, creating a memorable moment that pushed boundaries both literally and figuratively.
