Ibstock man, 64, claims dragon flag exercise world record

A 64-year-old from Leicestershire is claiming the world record for the most consecutive dragon flags - an extreme core strength and stamina exercise.

Dave Sansom, from Ibstock, says he completed 172 repetitions in 10 minutes 38 seconds - and hopes to confirm his achievement within a fortnight.

The exercise involves Mr Sansom lying on his back and raising his legs vertically before lowering them.

Mr Sansom said he beat the previous record of 135 by 37 repetitions.

The landscape gardener completed the challenge with his team at Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre on Sunday morning.

He had hoped to tackle the record in January but was forced to postpone due to a shoulder injury.

He said the exercise was "really, really tough".

"It went better than expected," he said. "In the end, it was the shoulders which gave out, not the abs.

"After 30 or 40 you are really uncomfortable, but once I got past 100, it felt like I was on the home straight.

"I wasn't sure how my stomach would feel, but I managed a full English breakfast straight after."

Mr Sansom said he hoped the challenge motivated others over the age of 60 to get active.

"When you're 60 or 70 or 80, you've got to stay active," he said.

"Find whatever you like doing, but do something. Get active, get out there and do a bit."

The team will now submit a video to Guinness World Records for official adjudication.

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