University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Ready To Help Set Record
8/10/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
Aug. 10, 2011
As part of the celebration of the 2011 Visa Championships, KARE 11's special segment "Record Wreckers" will join Xcel Energy Center and USA Gymnastics in an attempt to set a World Record for the most somersaults performed at one time. Legendary two-time Olympian and gold medal gymnast Kerri Strug will be on hand to lead Minnesotans and those from the surrounding states in the world record attempt, scheduled for Aug. 11 in downtown Saint Paul at Rice Park.
Also in attendance to help set the record will be student-athletes from the Gopher men's and women's gymnastics teams.
The event will run from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. and will feature three local gymnastics clubs doing demonstrations throughout the afternoon and a Fitness Zone for kids. Strug will also speak to fans, sign autographs and pose for photographs from 3:30 – 5 p.m.
"This is a great community event," said John Remes, KARE 11 president and general manager. "In addition to a live broadcast and interacting with the community, this is a great way to build excitement for the 2012 summer games in London, which are less than a year away."
"The world record attempt for the most somersaults at one time will be a fun, family activity and we invite everyone to come out and help us set the world mark," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "This is a fantastic preview to the world class gymnastics that will be performed later in August at the Visa Championships."
"Absolutely everyone is welcome," said Jack Larson, Xcel Energy Center vice president and general manager. "This is a unique opportunity for our citizens to become a part of history."
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