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Coast septuagenarian going for headstand Guiness world record

“I started doing headstands when I was about 20 years old. Now I’m 77, and I’ve been doing a headstand as part of my daily exercise regimen since 1965. I read about a 75-year-old who established the original record, and I thought, 'I’m older than that. Why don’t I go for it?'"
Submitted to Coast Reporter
C or N. Headstand record 2
Anika George photo

On Aug. 26, Richard de la Mare, bone carver and silver artisan at Coast Raven Design Studio in Davis Bay, will attempt to break the Guinness world record for Oldest Person to Perform a Headstand (male). 

“I started doing headstands when I was about 20 years old. Now I’m 77, and I’ve been doing a headstand as part of my daily exercise regimen since 1965. I read about a 75-year-old who established the original record, and I thought, “I’m older than that. Why don’t I go for it?”

Guinness requires a “specialist witness” so Richard enlisted the help of Sechelt pilates coach Katherine Denham of Kalijo Pilates. 

After his attempt on Aug. 26, and Richard will learn in about three months' time if Guinness approves his status as new world record holder.