Chinese student smashes most skips in a minute record by jumping rope at lightning speed

"The moment I finished, my legs were trembling, and my mind went blank," record holder Alapati Yimaier confessed.

Under the watchful eyes of over 100 students and teachers in the Changji University gymnasium, 23-year-old student Alapati (China) accomplished what once seemed impossible - 388 skips in a single minute, setting a new Guinness World Records title for the most skips in one minute.

That's more than six skips every second.

Alapati's journey began in middle school with a casual decision to join the school's jump rope club. "It started as something fun, but I quickly fell in love with it," he says. 

Soon, he realized he had a knack for the sport, staying late after school to practise.

"Every time the rope whipped through the air, it felt like the world went quiet," he said.

The turning point came in college. As a sports major at Changji University, he joined the school's jump rope team, where he received systematic training under the guidance of renowned coach Chen Bingjie. 

"Coach Chen didn't just teach me technique - he refined my rhythm and strengthened my mental resilience, especially under competition pressure," Alapati says.

In October 2024, he claimed the men's three-minute single rope jump title at the China International Jump Rope Open, a career milestone that sparked a daring idea: breaking a Guinness World Records title.

"Three-minute jumping is about endurance, but one minute is all about explosive power," Alapati explains. Adapting to this new challenge required a tailored training plan. 

"At first, the intensity was unbearable. My legs ached so much I couldn't sleep, but every small improvement brought me closer to my goal."

On the day of the attempt, the tension in the gym was palpable. With his teammates, classmates, and friends cheering him on, Alapati took a deep breath, steadied his nerves, and prepared to give it his all.

"This wasn't just a competition - it was a Guinness World Records attempt. There was no room for error."

When the whistle blew, Alapati launched into action. The rope spun like lightning beneath his feet as the crowd's cheers grew louder. For 60 seconds, he pushed his body and mind to the limit.

"When the timer stopped, I didn't even have the strength to celebrate - I was completely spent," he recalls. 

Reflecting on his success, Alapati is quick to credit his coach and university. "Without them, this wouldn't have been possible. Coach Chen always reminded me, ‘Don't forget why you started’."

Coach Chen couldn't be prouder, saying: "From an ordinary jump rope enthusiast to a world record holder, Alapati's dedication and self-discipline are truly inspiring. I hope he continues to chase his dreams with the same passion after graduation."

Looking ahead, Alapati plans to use his experience to inspire others. "I want to become a jump rope coach and share the skills and lessons I’ve learned over the years. Everyone deserves their moment on the stage."

For anyone dreaming of breaking a Guinness World Records title, Alapati has simple but powerful advice: "If you have the idea, go for it. You’ll never know your limits until you try."