Kyra may only be 12, but that hasn’t stopped her from achieving three Guinness World Records
Interview by Lester J Wan
In December, iFly Singapore announced two new Guinness World Records achievements, and attempted another two more records.
The first new Guinness World Record achieved was for the most number of people in a wind tunnel, which was set by 12 children and an adult in the wind tunnel at 193 km/h for over five minutes. Among them was 12-year-old Kyra Poh.
The second record set was for the longest indoor freefall, by Alson Ooi, Joshua Tay and Muhammad Ezrielshah Bin Rahmat. The three flew continuously for four hours and two minutes. This is equivalent to freefalling for more than 700km.
Two more record attempts were made, and have recently been confirmed by Guinness World Records. Young Kyra Poh has set the new record for the most backwards somersaults, with 68 performed in one minute. The previous record stood at 40.
With 28-year-old Vernon Quek, Kyra has also set a new record for the most two-way verticals with 25 manoeuvres, where two persons flying side by side would take turns to pass under each other without making any physical contact.
Weekender’s Editor managed to catch this little high-flyer for an interview.
Were you ever scared of indoor skydiving?
I was never scared of it as I like very thrilling things like roller coasters! But I was really excited as I had never seen something that makes you fly!
How supportive has your family been?
My sister, parents and grandparents are very supportive as they are always encouraging me to try my best and never give up, and are always there to see me fly.
My sister will always give me a thumbs up when she sees me in the tunnel, and kiss me when I get out.
What do you love most about indoor skydiving?
What I love most is learning new things as I can improve myself, and feel very happy when I can do it.
How did it feel, attempting a world record?
Just before it was my turn, I felt very excited but very nervous as well, as I was worried I would screw up.
How did you feel after having performed 68 backward somersaults in one minute?
After I did 68, I couldn’t believe it as I did much better than I expected, and I still was under a lot of stress. And, I was really overjoyed and happy.
What are some of your favourite things?
Other than flying, I love to draw and paint and express myself through art. I also like to play Minecraft with my friends.
Who is the sportsperson you admire most?
I admire my coaches at iFly the most as they are determined and fun, and always helping and teaching me. And, if they weren’t so keen to teach, I wouldn’t be as good as what I am today.
What are your goals for the future?
I would like to go to SOTA (School of the Arts), and I would like to try skydiving for real.
If you had a time machine, when and where would you go?
I would like to go back in time and see my parents when they were kids. And see what type of sports they did… and how indoor skydiving was originally made, and how did they come up with the idea.
What famous last words can you give us?
Well… All of you should try iFly!
ADVERTISEMENTS