Flippin' Out

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In November 2008, Aaron Fotheringham, 16, who was on the cover of the January 2007 S'NS, went into the record books (pending official notice) as a pioneer in wheelchair sports. Guinness World Records recorded the Las Vegas, Nev., resident, in front of a crowd of more than 300, as the first to complete a back flip in a wheelchair. He first completed the trick in 2006 and has dozens of videos of it, but had yet to make it official. Aaron has spina bifida and has been in a wheelchair since he was 3.

However, Aaron came up short in his quest to set a record for most consecutive back flips in 45 seconds. His unofficial record is six in a row. He wanted to get two within 60 seconds but was too worn out to get consecutive flips.

“I’m a little bit disappointed I didn’t get the consecutive flips, but I guess I’m taking it for granted that I got in the book,” Aaron says.

Completing the trick requires perfect judgment of speed and concentration, Aaron says. Approaching the ramp too fast or too slow could result in a nasty spill on the pavement.

Wearing a helmet, Aaron hit his head during a couple of falls back in October. Encouragement from spectators helped him get back up.

“I’m really grateful for all the support,” he says. “They may not have been my biggest crowd, but it was the most important one.”

Aaron has been a sponsored athlete through Colours Wheelchairs since he was 12.

Contact www.colourswheelchair.com.

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