Most of us would have trouble doing one back handspring. Chelsey Kipping can do 32 in a row. In July 2010, the then 13-year-old gymnast from Valmeyer, Illinois, showed off her tumbling talents for an important cause: honoring a friend who had been killed by a drink driver with a new world record for Most Consecutive Back Handsprings.
RecordSetter: Tell us a bit about yourself! How old are you, where are you from and what do you like to do?
Chelsey: I’m 14-and-a-half years old (almost 15), I live in Valmeyer, IL. I’m a level nine gymnast and I’m obsessed with gymnastics so that takes up most of my time. I’ve also become a cheerleader. I love kids so I babysit whenever I can. My brother is in college. So when he comes home I really enjoy spending time with him. When I have days I’m not at gym I am with my best friend Miranda. Either watching her play her sports or just wasting time.
What made you set the handspring record?
I had done a “Flip-A-Thon as a fund raiser for my gymnastics at the Mid Summer Celebration in Valmeyer for a few years. Each year, I did more back handsprings. The announcers would always “interview” me between innings. It was Mel Patton and Artie Voellinger, and they were very nice and funny.
