Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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WORLD RECORD CENTRAL — Welcome back to the realm of world records you never knew existed.
On today's edition, we explore a record that requires way more strength or coordination than either you or I have (you know that's true, don't try to fight me on it): the largest hula hoop ever spun.
Before you think to yourself, "Huh? Hula hooping records? Boring!" just bear with me for a moment. When I saw the title of this video, I nearly skimmed past, thinking it would be relatively cool but mostly not worth my time. Then I caught a glimpse of just how big this hula hoop actually is, and thought, "How on earth is this even possible?"
This video posted back in November shows Japanese performer Yuya Yamada breaking this unusual record with a hula hoop that's about twice the size of my car. The hoop is 16 feet 10 inches in diameter and definitely does not look like a fun little lightweight ring you'd want to spin around your hips.
In fact, Yamada has to lift the massive hoop and spin it around what looks like a soccer field several times just to get the momentum he needs before he can let go. And when he does, it's even more impressive.
In order to break the record, Yamada had to spin the hoop at least three full rotations, which he seems to accomplish pretty easily, albeit with a bit more running from one side of the hoop to the other than typically happens with hula hooping.
It's no wonder Yamada is known as "Hoop Man Yu-Ya." According to Guinness World Records, he's been working as a hula hoop artist since 2011, but was still nervous when he set out to break this record.
Yesterday's Have You Seen This?
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Tip No. 1: Listen to Enya while you drive and it will be a lot easier to stay calm."I felt the pressure of achieving this Guinness World Records attempt in Japan on this special day," Yamada said. "This attempt has constantly been on my mind for the last few months and I was hoping for a good result, so I am pleased, but also just so relieved to be a new record holder!"
Well, congrats, Yamada. I still have no idea how you were able to accomplish this, but you've inspired me nonetheless.
