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Defying Gravity at 50: World Record Skateboarding Down a 21-Story Building
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World champion skateboarder Sandro Dias (50) sets two Guinness World Records by dropping in from the curved exterior of an 88.91-meter building at speeds reaching 125 km/h

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In one of skateboarding's most audacious feats ever captured on film, professional skateboarder Sandro Dias—known affectionately as "Mineirinho"—transformed an architectural landmark into a record-breaking skate ramp. The iconic curved building belonging to the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul became the stage for an unprecedented achievement that pushed the boundaries of what's possible in extreme sports.

At 50 years old, Dias proved that age is merely a number when passion and skill converge. The world champion skateboarder successfully completed multiple drops from increasing heights along the building's distinctive curved facade, ultimately reaching a drop-in point higher than any skateboarder had attempted before. His final run saw him hurtling down the structure at an astonishing 125 kilometers per hour—roughly 78 miles per hour—on nothing but a skateboard.

The building itself, located in Porto Alegre, has long captured the imagination of the local skateboarding community. Known colloquially as the "skate building" due to its unique curved architecture, it has been a dream spot for skaters who have wondered if someone would ever actually ride it. The structure stands 88.91 meters tall—equivalent to about 23 stories—and its sweeping curve creates a natural transition that resembles a massive mega ramp.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the timing and context. Just one year before this historic event, Porto Alegre experienced devastating floods that left much of the city underwater for weeks, including the area surrounding the building. For residents who felt hopeless during that crisis, Dias's accomplishment represented something profound: proof that even the most impossible dreams can be realized, even in the wake of tragedy.

The event required meticulous planning and preparation. Dias worked with Red Bull and a team of engineers to construct a temporary quarter pipe at the base of the building, allowing him to safely transition from the extreme vertical drop. The setup needed to account for massive forces and unprecedented speeds never before encountered in skateboarding. During practice runs, Dias experimented with different setups, eventually switching to specialized longboard wheels during the final record attempt to combat the intense speed wobbles that threatened his stability at such high velocities.

The successful run earned Dias two official Guinness World Records: the tallest drop-in on a temporary quarter pipe and the fastest speed on a temporary quarter pipe. These records represent not just numerical achievements, but a fundamental expansion of what's considered possible in skateboarding. Where a standard mega ramp typically measures about 23 meters in height, Dias dropped from nearly four times that distance.

The emotional weight of the moment was palpable. Footage from the event captures Dias's genuine elation upon completing the run—a mixture of relief, joy, and disbelief at having accomplished something he had visualized for so long. Spectators and viewers worldwide shared in that emotion, with the live stream attracting thousands of viewers who witnessed history in real-time.

This feat joins an illustrious catalog of Red Bull-sponsored extreme sports achievements, continuing the brand's tradition of supporting athletes who dare to reimagine the limits of human capability. From Felix Baumgartner's space jump to countless other boundary-pushing stunts, Red Bull has built a reputation for making the impossible possible.

For the skateboarding community, particularly in Brazil, this achievement carries special significance. Brazilian skateboarding has produced numerous world-class talents, and Dias adds another remarkable chapter to that legacy. His willingness to attempt something so dangerous at 50 years old sends an inspiring message to athletes of all ages: your best performances aren't necessarily behind you.

The technical aspects of the run are equally impressive. Maintaining balance and control while accelerating down a curved surface to such extreme speeds requires not just physical skill but extraordinary mental fortitude. The commitment required to push off from that height—knowing that any mistake could be catastrophic—speaks to years of experience and an unshakeable confidence in one's abilities.

This record stands as a testament to human courage, athletic excellence, and the power of dreaming big. Whether you're a skateboarding enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates witnessing history, this achievement represents a milestone that will be remembered for generations in the skateboarding world and beyond.

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