I think it was just last week that on our “Other News…” segment, Debbie and I were talking about how Chinese students have stringent jump rope requirements to continue their education. Plainly speaking, if you can’t jump rope and can’t continue to improve jumping rope, then you can’t continue to advance your educational opportunities. Apparently, this whole jump rope thing is a big deal in Asian/Pan Asian culture(s).
A Philippines man, 34-year-old Ryan Ong Alonzo completed 40,980 double-unders in jump rope in 12 hours. WHAT?! Are you kidding me? And yes, that is a new world record. Apparently, there was a moment of panic when Alonzo suffered cramps about halfway through his attempt, but he managed to bounce back and finish. “Double-unders” involve the rope passing beneath the jumper twice for each jump. Alonzo said he banked on his previous marathon experience to get him through the long day. This guy did jump rope for 12 hours straight. I can’t even sit still or sleep for 12 hours straight. Amazing.