Solomon Philip, a student of the Oyemekun Grammar School, who has recorded his name in the Guinness World Record as the current world record holder of skipping the most times on a feet, has stated that people thought he made money from the feat.

16 years old Solomon said that “I started skipping when I was in JSS3 but I started training last year. My coach noticed me and saw that I could do it. Since then I have been training for it. I felt happy and confident when I was asked to go for the challenge.”

He added that it was a thing of joy for him to beat the previous record, adding that “I am only into skipping. I first compete at the inter school skipping and Oyemekun came second. I am the Captain of JC Rope Skipping Club in Ondo State. Being a skipper now keeps me fit and smart. I can endure reading over night without sleeping. Anybody can skip. Skipping on one leg is about endurance. It is about management of pain. I just endured the pain.
It is now easy for me to encourage young ones to take to skipping. There are other clubs in Ondo State. I tried for it not to affect my academics.

“I don’t really know the benefit of breaking the Guiness World record but it is a thing of joy and a great opportunity. I am expecting my certificate in three weeks time. Most people see skipping as a normal thing but they should see it as something that can take them to where they never imagine. I want the government to show interest in rope Skipping. The government should encourage those that have won titles to make others show interest.

“I am yet to compete in national or international skipping event because it is all about sponsorship. There are no sponsor. My coach is trying his best for us. Almost all of us are going for the Guinness record because no sponsor to make us go for competitions,” he said.

Speaking on managing fame, he said “It is a good thing but it makes me shy because many people now call my name everywhere. People think I made money from it. People have been asking me to celebrate and buy something for them but they didn’t know there is no money.” (Story adapted from The Nation)

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