B.C. man sets Guinness world record for headstand

An 82-year-old man from Haida Gwaii now holds the Guinness world record for being the oldest man to successfully complete a headstand.

Bruce Ives set the record on Aug. 7, 2022, by holding a headstand for 25 seconds at the age of 82 years and 42 days.

“I’m just amazed,” Ives told CityNews on his record-breaking feat.

Ives’ daughter, Megan, posted his record-breaking moment on Facebook, saying there were three RCMP officers, a coach, a certified yoga instructor, and a physical education teacher on hand to witness the event. He broke the record previously set earlier in 2022 by a 75-year-old man in Quebec.

Originally from Leamington, Ontario, Ives says he learned how to do a headstand when he was a teenager. After a hiatus from the stunt for about 25 years, his passion was reignited when he became a grandfather.

“Interacting with my grandchildren, and my children as well … just getting everybody to stand on their heads in the yard on a nice summer’s day,” he said, adding he tries to perform one every year on his birthday.

“On my birthday, June 25th, there would be maybe a party or something in the yard and the kids would all join me in doing headstands.”

Ives says it was his granddaughter who set up his record-breaking accomplishment, coordinating the video submission and required witnesses to submit to Guinness World Records.

“It’s a neat thing to do,” Ives continued. “I was a late student going to university, then I became a social worker, and the thing that makes me famous is my headstands.”