The DU gymnastics team partnered with gymnasts and enthusiasts nationwide last Saturday in a collective effort to break the world record for most handstands executed simultaneously.

The previous record, set in Melbourne, Australia, in 2005, boasted 2,402 handstands in an effort to promote the World Gymnastics Championships.

Over the weekend, supporters of the sport smashed the record in honor of National Gymnastics Day.

Across the country, 20,478 individuals kicked their feet into the air at 11 a.m., including 22 gymnasts on Driscoll Green.

Participants included the 15 members of the DU gymnastics team, joined by members of local gymnastics clubs and several alumni, including 2003 graduate Michelle Kasuga, who still holds the school’s all-around record.

DU’s involvement in the event was intended to raise awareness about the school’s team and their upcoming season.

“Gymnastics is such an incredible sport,” said head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart. “The dedication, discipline and perseverance involved are incredible. They’re life skills you learn that will help benefit you for the rest of your life.”

USA Gymnastics celebrates National Gymnastics Day every year to help raise awareness about the sport and to support the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. In the past 10 years, USA Gymnastics has donated more than $1.4 million.

“We’re really looking forward to a great season,” Kutcher-Rinehart added. “We have 15 student-athletes and a very young team, with only four upperclassmen.  Last year, we were one of only four teams to finish in the top 20 athletically and the top 20 academically in the country.”