Stunt performer launched movie career after becoming a record breaker

A stunt performer earned himself a string of world records with his excellent flipping skills – then found his place in the movie industry.

Maksim Nikolajev (Estonia) is a seasoned gymnast and all-round trampoline star.

He first entered the record books back in 2016 when he performed the most consecutive handstand pirouettes – a total of 60 – way more than the previous record of 35.

He broke his next record in 2021, achieving the most backwards somersaults on a trampoline in 30 seconds with a total of 37.

And in May last year, Maksim earned two titles on the same day: the most forward somersaults on a trampoline in one minute with a total of 49 and the most consecutive handstand jumps on a trampoline with an impressive total of 217.

“When I broke my first record I was so excited and motivated to get a new hit, and I decided to break more records,” he told us.

Maksim uses his skills in his work as a stunt performer in movies.

Kicking off his career in 2020, he’s racked up credits in the likes of comedy The Renovation, history thriller Dawn of War, and drama Minsk.

He most recently appeared in 2023 comedy Kuulsuse narrid and 2024 TV movie Un/Dressed.

“I use my background experience to be on a high level,” he said of his career.

He also shared some tips to fellow record hopefuls in our video.

On how to perform the perfect front and back flips on a trampoline, he said: “You need to remember not to be fast with your shoulders in the beginning, try to go up then get a good tuck, then you can do it in the right way.”

Maksim added: “I’m really happy to be a world record holder, I do it for my legacy and I hope my kid will be proud of his daddy.”