Iconic skater and Guinness World Records legend Marawa Ibrahim was there to lend her support when skaters from around the globe attempted to break records of their own.
The GWR Hall of Fame inductee hosted the 12th annual Blading Cup in Santa Ana, California, USA, on 29 April 2023, where amateur and professional inline skaters got together to show off their skills.
The Blading Cup features four street obstacles where competitors exhibit their tricks.
It showcases the best-of-the-best in a fun, weekend-long event!
Some skaters competed for cash and prizes, while others had their sights set on four Guinness World Records titles: the lowest limbo skating over 5 m, the lowest limbo inline skating over 5 m, the highest roller skate jump (no ramp), and the highest inline skate jump (no ramp).
Australian-born Marawa, known by her stage name "Marawa the Amazing", was there to cheer them on, although sadly no records were broken on the day.
Marawa currently holds six Guinness World Records titles including the most hula hoops spun simultaneously (200) and fastest 100 m on high-heeled roller skates (26.10 seconds).
“I love record attempts and have been involved in quite a few of them now, so I feel like I know how to help and explain to potential record holders all the parts involved,” said Marawa.
“I love helping people work towards becoming record holders.”
Despite the unfavourable outcome, Marawa says the event was very exciting and the crowd was supportive and encouraging towards those participating.
“There were a lot of collective oohs and ahhs and cheers as the attempts were made!”
Marawa says high jumping and limbo require a really good sense of timing.
For the high jump, not only must the skater be able to jump really high, but the jump must also be timed so that its peak matches the point when the skater is traveling over the bar.
Jumping too early or too late can really affect the skater’s overall clearance.
The limbo also proved to be extra complicated since the lowest shape must be timed as the bar is approached.
The shape and movement then had to be sustained for 5 m (16 ft 4 in), which can cause a lot of things to go wrong.
“The high jump and limbo competitions have always been my favourite part of Blading Cup,” said Marawa.
“Every time I watch it, I think ‘this should be a GWR!’ so I talked to Jon Julio, the event organiser, about making it an official attempt.”
Although the records proved to be too difficult to achieve, Marawa says it was interesting to see how some people reacted.
“The pressure and stress were visible, it really does change how you feel when you know the stakes are so much higher,” she said.
“I suffer a lot from stage fright, stress under pressure etc- so I felt like I really understood how they felt!”
However, Marawa says there is a way to prepare for these types of skating tricks.
“Take lessons! There are loads of online tutorials, and in person classes available now - way more than there ever used to be,” she said.
“It’s really important to know how to fall properly. Once you have mastered the basics you will be much safer as you learn more tricks and less likely to get injured.”
For those wanting to compete in the next annual Blading Cup, Marawa says it’s important to get your application in early.
“There is a lot of work involved to achieve a GWR title, it’s important to know all the requirements, and be realistic about when and how you will attempt it,” she said.
“I have been lucky enough to hold 12 records, but I have failed a few attempts too! It’s not easy, and it shouldn’t be! It’s a big achievement so naturally requires a lot of work.”
Marawa also thanks the skaters involved in this year’s Blading Cup.
“It was so close, and the pressure and heat were visible,” she said.
“I hope this inspires more people to attempt more records and push skating to an even wider audience!”
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