we humans are actually pretty
good at holding our breath - and
we do it best when underwater.
On land, we generally manage a
couple of minutes at most. But
in 2009, France's Stephane
Mifaud immersed himself in water
and held his breath for 11 minutes
and 35 seconds."
NOPE! I cannot imagine doing any of the things that the people described in this book do. Kids who have it read to them, or read it themselves, will be astounded by the many feats described here. We all know that bodies are amazing. It's hard to believe that a body, the training it does, and the persistence in practice can achieve these remarkable triumphs.
There are nine different types of accomplishments, described in separate chapters that focus on the variety of talented people who are willing to do the work it takes to find a place here: strength, flexibility, memory, endurance, meditation, underwater breath-holding, speed, mental math, and balance.
Each chapter is designed to introduce the people, the science, and the ways in which others can train to try to do something similar. Their ability is described, with some background information about them. Further to that an explanation concerning the feat is given, often accompanied by Fast Facts which add context.
"A windy helper
In 2011, the United States' Justin Gatlin ran faster than Usain Bolt - but he
had an advantage. A Japanese game show set up huge fans behind the sprinter,
and the wind helped push him along. He ran 100 meters in 9.45 seconds - 0.13
seconds faster than Usain."
The physiology is explained and a Hazard Alert talks about certain concerns for health, safety, and taking things slowly . Over To You offers advice for those wanting to try to improve personal skills. The artwork, done in cartoon-like images, adds helpful connections.
“It’s important to remember that the people in this book either were born with these traits or trained long and hard to get them. Never put yourself in danger by trying to copy what they’ve done.”
The research is admirable, the text is entertaining and informative and, at times, almost unbelievable.
"Louis picks 18 men out of the audience, the biggest ones
he can find. The men are weighed. They step together onto
a platform resting on wooden supports.
Louis bends. He slips under the platform. He rests the top
of his back against it. His goal: to lift all 1,967 kilograms
(4,336 pounds). Yesterday's newspaper declared in huge
letters: "CYR PROMISES A BIG SENSATION TOMORROW
MORNING AT 10:50." But can Louis do it?
He heaves. His muscles strain. His legs push. His face turns red.
The platform starts to tremble. The platform starts to lift. Finally,
it clears the supports. The audience erupts in cheers."
WHAT?????
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