Ballet dancer defies danger by performing splits across moving ATVs for record distance

This incredibly tense and dangerous journey made ballet dancer Yara Khdair (Syria) a record breaker.

Teaming up with Mohamed Alblooshi and Abdulla Alhattawi (both UAE), the trio broke the record for longest distance covered whilst performing a split on two moving ATVs with a distance of 470 m (1,541 ft 11 in).

You’d think Yara must have an incredible amount of trust in these two drivers, quite literally putting her life in their hands by precariously balancing between their ATVs in the splits while they drive along at around 10 km/h (6.2 mph) through the desert in Dubai, UAE.

But amazingly, she had never met them before the attempt, organized to mark GWR Day in the UAE.

Yara, who is also a model, rhythmic gymnast and fitness trainer, told us: “We actually didn't know each other beforehand but we met to make this record and they were really great partners.

“Of course, confidence was important and it was already there because I saw their performance and I was confident that we could achieve the number successfully.

“We didn't train much because the time was short, but we worked hard in this short time, and reaching this number was the result of years of fatigue and effort during which I trained in general to reach this level of fitness and flexibility.”

Yara, 26, was required to keep her hands either up in the air or on her waist during the entire attempt.

She was not allowed to touch anything or anyone to maintain her balance.

And the ATVs had to be going at least 5 km/h (3.1 mph) throughout.

Yara added of the dangers: “There is nothing in life that doesn’t contain risks, but we can avoid them if we train well. I’m used to this type of risk. All the sports I practise contain risk if I don’t focus and learn hard.

“I practise paragliding, horse riding and diving. For me, these sports increase my focus, accuracy and precise thinking.”

Yara held strong for as long as she could, but as soon as she wobbled and held on to the drivers to stop herself from falling, the attempt came to an end.

But she says she could have gone for longer had it not been for one of the bikes malfunctioning.

She added: “I always strive to break records in my life in general and strive to achieve success. In fact, I can’t live without goals and ambitions that I strive for.

“I certainly feel happy and proud that I have reaped the result of my success after years of hard work, and I still strive to be as people have always known me, carrying surprises and successes in my bag.”

Yara dedicated her record success to her family and those who have supported and stood by her, as well as her home country of Syria and the UAE, which she says embraced her and nurtured her dreams.