Metzger's Backflip at Caesars Palace Sets World Record
Las Vegas, Nev. - In conjunction with tomorrow's release of Mission:
Impossible III and the 40th anniversary of Caesars Palace this August,
ESPN and ESPN HD televised X Games gold medalist Mike Metzger as he set
a world record tonight becoming the first rider to successfully perform
a backflip over the fountains at Caesars Palace. Entertaining a
crowd of more than 15,500, Metzger joined an elite class of motorcycle
legends including Evel Knievel, Gary Wells and Robbie Knievel, all of
whom attempted the fountain jump over the past 40 years. Metzger
was the first of the four to attempt a backflip, where tonight Guinness
World Record officially recognized his jump of 125 feet.
"I am so excited to be here in Las Vegas, in front of this huge crowd
and doing what I love," said Metzger tonight following his jump.
"Landing this jump is another chapter in my career as I'm anxious to
move on to the next project."
Mike "The Godfather" Metzger, age 30, is one of the most influential
riders in the history of freestyle motocross. With five X Games medals
to his name, three of which are gold, Metzger has been riding
motorcycles for more than 25 years. The Menifee, Calif. resident is
known for his legendary performance at X Games Eight when he won double
gold in Moto X Best Trick and Freestyle, and became the first rider to
land back-to-back flips in the history of the sport.
"On behalf of all the Caesars Palace associates - I would like to
congratulate Mike on his remarkable, record-setting backflip over our
fountains," said Caesars Palace President, Gary Selesner.
"Partnering with ESPN and Mike Metzger for a special event of this
magnitude even further solidifies Caesars Palace as The Home of
Champions and is the perfect way for Caesars to launch its 40th
anniversary celebration."
Guinness World Record representatives were present at the jump to
officially recognize Metzger's Guinness World Record. Guinness World
Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking
achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records
book is published in more than 100 countries and 20 languages and is
one of the highest-selling books under copyright of all time.