Gbenga Ezekiel, 18, demonstrated remarkable prowess by setting two Guinness World Records. In a minute of intense one-legged skipping, he achieved an impressive 278 skips, surpassing his previous record of 265.
Additionally, Gbenga excelled in the category of double under skips, securing a new record with 144 skips in a minute, exceeding the prior mark of 132 set by India’s Himanshu Prajapati in 2021.
Meanwhile, on the same day, 16-year-old Philip Solomon made his mark in the records. Philip not only broke one of Himanshu’s records, achieving 69 rope crossovers in 30 seconds on one leg but also matched another record by executing 62 rope crossovers while blindfolded. These accomplishments add to Philip’s growing list of achievements, as he previously earned two Guinness World Records titles in early 2023, including the most skips in 30 seconds on one foot (153).
Joining the roster of record-breakers is 16-year-old Dunsin Dubem, who exhibited remarkable skill by achieving 78 double under crossovers while skipping in 30 seconds. This feat surpassed the previous record by five, solidifying Dunsin’s place among the accomplished skippers.
It’s worth noting that Gbenga, Philip, and Dunsin all embarked on their skipping journeys at the ages of 14-15, under the guidance of coach Ukandu Chibuisi in the city of Akure. Their shared dedication and impressive achievements underscore the success cultivated under Chibuisi’s coaching.
The trio turned their attention to breaking world records after they found themselves unable to participate in the World Jump Rope Championships due to lack of funding.
“With the advice and training from our coach we decided to focus on breaking as many Guinness World Records titles as we can,” Philip said.
Coach Chibuisi designed training programmes for the teens, who practised “intensively” every day after school to prepare for their record attempts.
“When we complain, he will tell us that hard training is the only sacrifice for winning a world record,” said Philip.
Juggling schoolwork and training proved to be a challenge, however, they never skipped a session, despite having to walk an hour from school to the stadium where they trained. “It wasn’t easy at all,” Gbenga recalls.
Fortunately, their dedication paid off, and they were able to claim some hotly contested world records which have changed hands numerous times over the past few years.
The trio plan to continue breaking records in 2024, eager to further demonstrate their superlative skipping abilities.
Along with Coach Chibuisi, they have also started an initiative called “Rope Skipping in My School”, aimed at promoting the sport of skipping to students in both urban and rural communities.
“We are discovering new, young, talented rope skippers,” Philip said.
“Someday they will also be Guinness World Records title holders.”
