St. Pete athlete submits video for Guinness record

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - A 19-year-old from St. Petersburg is on a mission to see his name in the Guinness Book of World Records for most consecutive back handsprings. 

Devion Teaheartt shared video of himself completing 59 back handsprings in a row. The current record is 57, which was set in November, 2013 at Boulder, Colorado's Folsom Field by Ozell Williams.

Teaheartt said he has submitted the video and other documents required for a Guinness Book record to the organization and is waiting for approval. Meanwhile, he's already set his sights on breaking his own record.

He told FOX 13 News, "what made me (want to) break the world record was to show everyone, with hard work and dedication... you can achieve anything you want."

Teaheartt said he's been involved in athletics since he was 9, participating in AAU track and field and Allstar competition cheerleading.  

"I realized I could break the record when I attended Gibbs High/Lakewood High School a couple years back, tumbling across both football fields in front of the entire school during events. But I never thought it was a Guinness World Record," Teaheartt said. "Fans started to inform me... I took initiative to look it up, it was the total of 57. With my healthy mind, body, and spirit. I knew, with God on my side, I had what it took."

Teaheartt said his mother is a big inspiration in his life and taught him never to give up on his dreams, no matter how difficult they may be.

Teaheartt said he begins classes at St. Leo University in August and will major in sports management. He also plans to participate in track and field as well as cheerleading.