In preparation for Rio 2016 later this week, NBC Sports and Guinness World Records have teamed up to bring you an entertaining mashup that puts athletes up to quirky new challenges they’re not used to.
Instead of their familiar oars and the javelins, today's selection of Team USA stars are picking up ping pong balls to attempt the record for Most ping pong balls bounced into a pint glass in one minute.
In the run up to Rio, the training for Olympians is strenuous, but we believe that some of these athletes should have some fun along the way.
In today's segment you’ll see track and field stars English Gardner (known for her 100-M dash), LaShawn Merritt (who takes on the 400-M sprints), Matt Centrowitz (who specializes in the 1500-M), Emma Coburn (champion of the 3000 meter steeplechase), Galen Rupp (talented long-distance runner), Tori Bowie (who excels in the long jump), Jenny Simpson (strong middle distance runner), and Tatyana McFadden (who competes in track and field for the Paralympics) take on our world record challenge.
Also stepping up to the plate are Tony Azevedo (Water Polo title holder), Makenzie Brown (precise archer) and Laura Graves (American dressage rider).
Never one to miss out on a big sporting moment, legendary NBC announcer Bob Costas also tries his luck at this ping pong record, following on from his valiant attempt at setting a bubble-blowing record.
