It was a back handspring that catapulted Mikayla Clark into the public spotlight — actually it was 44 of them, in a row. The flips that the 16-year-old cheerleader from Westlake High School in Atlanta performed under the bright lights of a Friday football game this past October were ultimately not enough to break The Guinness World Records. The current record for consecutive back handsprings by a female is 53. But Clark’s flips were more than enough to land her in Los Angeles for an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and in New York to promote a new Sony laptop with Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas. A little closer to home, Clark was recognized by the state and even had Fulton County declare a day in her honor. And Clark still has her sights on that world record, so count on seeing more of her. To see Clark flip out, search her name on youtube. You’ll be impressed.
Q: How long have you been doing back handsprings?
A: Since I was eight. I was first taught at a cheerleading gym.
Q: Did you fall a lot when you started out?
A: A lot.
Q: What is the key to a back handspring?
A: I just jump back and stay focused and hope I can keep going.
Q: Seriously, how do you do 44 back handsprings in a row?
A: It’s not that hard if you keep practicing.
Q: You don’t think what you did is remarkable?
A: It is pretty good. Most people can’t do it.
Q: How long does it take to do 44 back handsprings?
A: About 34 seconds.
Q: Do you get dizzy?
A: I have taught myself to keep my eyes open so I won’t get dizzy.
Q: Were you disappointed when you learned you didn’t break The Guinness World Records?
A: I was for a little bit. But I’m going to keep trying.
Q: You still want the Guinness World record?
A: I do.
Q: If you set it, won’t someone else just break it?
A: Once I set it, if someone else breaks it, I am not going to try to break it again.
Q: Have you been surprised by all the attention?
A: I didn’t realize it was going to become this big.
Q: Why do you think it has?
A: I am not really sure.
Q: How was it being on The Ellen DeGeneres Show?
A: They had me come down from the audience and then I went outside and did multiple back handsprings. It was overwhelming. I wasn’t used to the lights and cameras.
Q: And what about being with Gabby Douglas?
A: She was fun to be around.
Q: So what’s it like being famous?
A: It feels weird. I am naturally a shy person when it comes to meeting people.
Q: So you don’t want to be a star?
A: I want to get back to my life.
Q: Are you involved in other activities?
A: I am in Beta Club and the Future Business Leaders of America. I run competitive track and cheer for my school. I’m also cheer on a competition squad.
Q: So you’re a good student?
A: Yes.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: A FBI agent or a teacher.
Q: Will you continue to do back handsprings?
A: I am going to keep flipping as long as I can.
The Sunday Conversation is edited for length and clarity. Writer Ann Hardie can be reached by email at ann.hardie@ymail.com.
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