At the recent launch of Guinness World Records 2013, we had the opportunity to speak to several record holders featured in the new book and ask them about their record achievements.
Today's Q+A is with Johanna Quaas, the world's Oldest gymnast (female). At the age of 86 she continues to compete in gymnastics competitions, and often wins. Amazingly, she only started in the sport aged 56.
Johanna performed a floor-and-beam routine on the set of Lo Show dei Record in Rome, Italy, in April 2012, and she can still perform cartwheels.
Where are you from?
Halle, Germany
What do you do for a living?
I'm retired now, but I used to be a PE teacher.
How did you get into record-breaking?
I was at a championship competition, and a person in the crowd recorded a video of one of my routines. This ended up on YouTube, and got over a million views. Then Guinness World Records sent an invitation to my manager for me to appear on the Italian TV show in Rome, where I received my record.
How often do you practice/train?
I practice gymnastics only twice per week, but every day I do an hour of some sport or exercise - usually swimming or a walk.
What is your favourite apparatus to use?
The parallel bars.
Do you ever think you are getting too old to do gymnastics?
No, absolutely not. If you stick with it you can definitely carry on at a high age. I'd like to still be competing when I'm 90.
Do you have any health worries when competing?
I have no health worries at all. My body is trained to the point I can do all these exercises and movements comfortably.
What words of wisdom would you give to people who are not the typical stereoitype starting out in sports?
Just find the sport that is right for you, and get started, whatever that is.
Where do you keep your Guinness World Records certificate?
With all my other awards and memorabilia - medals, and certificates, mainly. It is next to the certificate of my win of the first German National Championship after reunification - one of the achievements I am most proud of.
