A Nigerian freestyler, Tonye Solomon has set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for climbing the most steps on a ladder whilst balancing a football on his head.
Solomon, who hails from Bayelsa State, remarkably ascended 150 steps up a 250-foot radio mast in August to claim the record. The achievement comes after Solomon walked 60 km from Amassoma to Yenagoa in Bayelsa State with a football on his head. Many doubted his story, so he was inspired to prove them wrong by setting an official world record.
Solomon trained for two months in his free time to perfect balance the ball on his head. During the record attempt, he appeared unfazed, completing the climb in just 12 and a half minutes. After reaching the top, he triumphantly threw the ball down and celebrated with a fist pump. Solomon said he wanted to set the record to challenge himself and inspire others to achieve great things.
New record: Most steps climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on the head – 150 by Tonye Solomon (Nigeria) ️⚽️
Don't look down 👀 pic.twitter.com/yeZAXe1CxH
— #GWR2024 OUT NOW (@GWR) September 13, 2023
GWR confirmed the record on social media with a post that read: “New record: Most steps climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on the head – 150 by Tonye Solomon (Nigeria).”
The climb took place using a mast belonging to the Nigerian Civil Defense in Bayelsa State, whom Solomon thanked for the opportunity to use their facility.
Solomon is a member of the Chukwuebuka Freestyle Academy, which has nurtured several talents in niche football skills.