Edgar Yudkevich practises a sport that not many have the guts to try.
The record holder from Poway, California, USA, is a professional slackliner and has broken the record for the greatest distance travelled on a slackline whilst juggling three knives, after walking 10.47 m (34 ft 4 in) in the air.
Slacklining is a sport where a person walks along a rope that is stretched above the ground between two points, similar to tightrope walking.
The slackline was rigged one metre high before Edgar stepped onto it.
Since he personally knew multiple Guinness World Records title holders, he was inspired to try and break a record himself.
“The day that I attempted this record was on World Circus Day and there was a community gathering of circus artists in Coronado, California,” said Edgar.
Everyone was pushing their limits and celebrating, and I decided to do a feat that would inspire my friends, as well as my students to push themselves further in their circus acts.
Edgar says he has been slacklining and juggling various objects for over 12 years.
Knives just seemed like the next logical thing to try.
“Because I am constantly training as a circus artist, I regularly do feats that others don't understand, but that I feel are quite safe performing,” said Edgar.
“In this case, I've had over 12 years of daily practice in juggling and balancing to aid me.”
On the day of the record attempt, Edgar only practised a few times.
He says he’s normally in decent enough shape to be able to perform this stunt because he constantly balances and juggles in the circus.
Although Edgar is confident in his abilities, he was worried about repetitive strain during his record attempt.
“When I practise for too long, my arms get tired and after a certain point, I know that I need to rest or risk damaging the ligaments and tendons,” he said.
“If that happens, it is hard to be able to work as a professional juggler.”
Edgar has also nicked himself a bit with a knife in the past during practise but hasn’t sustained any serious injuries.
Despite how difficult the feat may seem, Edgar says the toughest part about travelling on a slackline whilst juggling three knives is keeping the endurance in his arms.
“I’ve had arm injuries from repetitive strain as a juggler before,” he said.
So, I always have to calibrate just how long to keep moving my arms for.
However, Edgar enjoys the feeling of focus that is required to continue walking and believes that juggling can be very meditative.
He also enjoys the response he elicits from onlookers, who usually stop to stare or take out their phones to film him.
Edgar is thrilled with his Guinness World Records title but feels that he can go even further.
“I felt like I’ve finally accomplished a bucket list item,” he said.
“It’s something to remember for many years.”
He also has plans to challenge himself and attempt an additional Guinness World Records title.
“I will definitely attempt another record in the future just to push my limits and to inspire my circus friends,” said Edgar.
However, I cannot yet reveal what I'm working on.
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