Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has set a new world record for the Highest altitude football dropped and controlled, following a successful attempt at the English Premier League club’s London Colney training ground.
The England star beat fellow teammates Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal and Francis Coquelin with a successful attempt from a staggering 34 metres during an event organised by internet betting exchange firm Betfair.
Walcott’s incredible feat beat the previous record of 32 metres - a height equivalent to five two-storey houses - which had been previously set by football freestyler John Farnworth.
As part of the rules of the record, in order to register a successful attempt the person attempting the record is required to control the ball by keeping it off the ground for five touches.
After several practice attempts at a lower height, the ball drop was taken up to the record breaking height of 34 metres.
While French midfielder Coquelin came close to successfully controlling the ball, but it was 27-year-old Walcott who was able to cushion the ball, take his five touches, and set a new Guinness World Record.
officially a @GWR record holder! Great challenge from @Betfair and @Arsenalhttps://t.co/ntvHBB5HVPpic.twitter.com/q9LGWeMhRw
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) December 1, 2016
Speaking after the attempt, Guinness World Records adjudicator Pravin Patel, said: "It looked easy at 25 metres but when the ball was released at 34 metres, it was a challenge that surprised the footballers, especially when the ball swerved as it came down. Well done Theo for breaking the record."
To read more about sporting record-breakers, check out the new Guinness World Records 2017 Edition and Guinness World Records 2017 Gamers Edition available now from all good book shops.
