Las Vegas man aiming, again, for Guinness World Record

By Paul Takahashi

Monday, Sept. 13, 2010 | 1:40 p.m.

This just might be something you’ll have to see to believe.

Las Vegas resident Jesus “Half Animal” Villa will attempt to set a new Guinness World Record in acrobatics on Saturday. His event? Doing the most consecutive 90-degree push-ups, also known as straight presses.

To complete a 90-degree push-up, Villa must start in a handstand position and lower himself to a horizontal push-up position without letting his legs or body touch the ground. He aims to complete 14 consecutive straight presses, breaking the current world record of 12.

Team member and acrobat Terrance Harrison of Los Angeles will be joining Villa. Harrison will try to beat the world record for the most consecutive back handsprings, breaking the current record of 25.

“The goal behind Team Half Animal is to set examples of determination, focus and hard work,” Villa said. “With these new records, we hope to show kids that anything is possible, even the most seemingly impossible feats.”

The two record attempts will occur on Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Las Vegas Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA, 4141 Meadows Lane. Doors will open to the public at 1 p.m. Admission is free.

This will be the third Guinness World Record attempt for Villa, who currently holds the record for being the only man to perform a double back flip on jumping stilts and for performing 19 body-straight jumping stilts back flips, also known as “whips,” across 100 yards.