Kevin Robinson Sets World Record
June 12, 2008 – 11:59 pm PT by GregTags: K-Rob, Red Bull, world record —
cr. Christian Pondella / Red Bull Photo Files
It was inevitable, really. With all the hype around Kevin Robinson’s Red Bull Experiment world record attempt in New York City’s Central Park it was pretty much guaranteed he would nail it… at all costs.
It sounds like it took a few attempts for K-Rob to best Mat Hoffman’s previous record of 26.5 feet of vertical height (he reached 27). And spying the huge ramp I can’t help but think Hoffman, along with several other riders, probably could have joined him the record books. But in the end, the record is all K-Rob’s and for that, he must be commended!
Read more here from the scene and then keep reading for more photos and a full press release…
cr. Christian Pondella / Red Bull Photo Files
WORLD RECORD BROKEN IN CENTRAL PARK AS THOUSANDS WATCH BMX LEGEND REACH NEW HEIGHTS
Kevin Robinson Launches Six Stories Above the Ground in Second-Ever Red Bull Experiment
New York City, NY, June 12, 2008 – The iconic grounds of Central Park
became the launching pad for BMX legend Kevin Robinson as he soared into
the world record books by airing 54 feet off the ground – equivalent to
nearly a six story building - breaking the record for highest air on a
BMX bike in the second-ever Red Bull Experiment.
Kevin hurled himself down a 60ft high roll-in at speeds over 45 mph, up
a 27ft Super Quarter Pipe and aired 27ft above the ramp, against the
back drop of the world-renowned New York City skyline.
After nearly an hour and six attempts trying for the record, Kevin broke
it by one inch, at 26.7 ft. Not feeling satisfied, he did another
attempt to increase the record by another five inches. “There is no
better feeling than setting a goal and accomplishing it, no matter what
adversity you have to face. You persevere through and you will come out
successful,” said Kevin after friends and family celebrated with him on
the ramp.
The previous record of 26.5ft was held by BMX pioneer and Kevin’s mentor
and sponsor Mat Hoffman, who was on site to witness the feat.
Kevin, the winner of seven X Games medals, including three gold, made
his attempt on a never before built Super Quarter Pipe. This feat was
experimental in many ways - from the construction of the ramp, to the
speed it took to break the record, the g-forces on his body and
ultimately the never before reached height on a BMX bike.
A crowd of thousands and Red Bull athletes including fellow world record
holder Simon Dumont and 2008 Olympic team member Jill Kintner supported
Kevin as sports history was made. Also in attendance were New England
Patriots Wes Welker and Lonnie Paxton and surprise guest late night talk
show host David Letterman where Kevin is due to appear on Monday, June
16th. The Red Bull Experiment took place in Central Park and aired live
on MSG and was featured on a live webcast via ESPN’s twenty-four hour
action sports destination, EXPN.com, and ESPNs signature broadband
network ESPN360.com.
KEVIN ROBINSON
A BMX legend, Kevin is one of only a few athletes that has competed in
every X Games since the inaugural event in 1995 and since then has grown
into one of the most respected action sports stars of his generation.
There has been no more deserving winner of the “Most Outstanding
Athlete” award than Kevin in 2007. A committed family man with two
kids, Kevin trains as hard of as any elite athlete in the world and even
works out with football star
Junior Seau. He also sits on the board of Junior’s charity foundation.
It is Kevin’s confidence, hard work and dedication that allow him to
accomplish a feat such as this.
THE KEVIN ROBINSON INNOVATIONAL
As a follow up to the Red Bull Experiment, Kevin has invited a
collection of the world’s top pros to ride the ultimate Super Quarter
Pipe and compete in Central Park on Saturday, June14th. The vision for
the Kevin Robinson Innovational is to select the best riders to compete
in an environment that would stimulate the innovation and progression of
BMX.
THE RED BULL EXPERIMENT
The Red Bull Experiment is the world’s best athletes attempting world
first experimental sporting feats.
The mission of the Red Bull Experiment is to give the world’s best
athletes the opportunity to push the boundaries of what might be humanly
possible and push the progression of their sport to unfathomable levels.
In the first Red Bull Experiment, motorcross star Robbie Maddison set
his own world record for the longest jump on motorbike by jumping a
football field in Las Vegas on New Years Eve, 2007, clearing a distance
of 322ft.
The next Red Bull Experiment moves to the West Coast on July 11th where
freestyle motocross star Ronnie Renner will attempt to set a new world
record by launching himself five stories in the air on a custom-made
quarterpipe against the backdrop of the world famous Santa Monica Pier.
The Red Bull Experiment provides these athletes with the tools necessary
to realize their dreams and put them on show for the whole world to see.
In success or failure these experiments are poised to change the way the
world thinks about what is possible.
cr. Jeff Zielinski / Red Bull Photo Files
cr. Rob Dolecki / Red Bull Photo Files
cr. Mark Losey / Red Bull Photo Files
cr. Justin Kosman / Red Bull Photo Files
