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Sports

Upside-Down for a World Record: Take That, Down Under

More than 20,000 gymnasts, including Edmonds residents, bring the record for simultaneous handstands back to the U.S. from Australia.

This may have slipped by the local sports reports, but 42 local gymnasts, including several from Edmonds, helped break the world record for simultaneous handstands.

The local gymnasts, who worked their magic at GYMagine Gymnastics in Mukilteo, were among more than 20,000 upside-downers from 100 gymnastics clubs nationwide who joined together Saturday to bring the title back to the United States from Down Under.

At precisely 10 a.m. PST, 20,478 participants throughout the country kicked up into a handstand to shatter the existing record of 2,402 set by Australian gymnasts in Melbourne to promote the 2005 World Gymnastics Championships.

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The U.S. originally set the record of 1,072 in July 2005 as part of the run-up to the 2005 Visa Championships. “Bringing the title back to the USA is a great way to celebrate National Gymnastics Day across the U.S. and help build awareness and support for gymnastics,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics.

Each year, USA Gymnastics celebrates National Gymnastics Day to build awareness of the sport and support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Money raised will benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in each club’s local community. Since 2001, gymnastics clubs across the country have raised more than $1.4 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

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The clubs have until Nov. 9 to raise and submit their funds for this year. Donations are still being accepted at GYMagine Gymnastics.

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