One of Birmingham’s very own — Christy Swaid — broke a Guinness World Record.

Jet ski champion, stuntwoman and entrepreneur, Christy Swaid was already extremely impressive, but now she can add a new record to her resume.

Swaid was recently entered into the Guinness World Records as the oldest person to backward somersault on a personal watercraft at the age of 53.

Swaid is no stranger to accolades. She has six jet ski world championship titles, was twice named “One of the Fittest Women in America,” she was inducted into the International Personal Watercraft Hall of Fame and holds the Pro Women’s Slalom world record.

Swaid spoke to Porsche’s magazine about how her Guinness World Record came to be. Swaid said the record followed what she says was one of the most difficult years of her life. In 2020, she lost her mother, father and former coach all within a short period of time.

She fell into what she called a slump and wasn’t able to get out of it until 2024 when a jet skiing opportunity came her way.

Swaid had a “chance encounter” with a jet ski backflip expert who wanted her to try the stunt. “At that time, I was filled with anxiety and felt like a prisoner in a cage of fear,” she told Porsche. “So, I had to do something courageous to break free.”

The stunt took 10 attempts and numerous cuts and bruises, but eventually she was able to flip the jet ski in front of a roaring crowd.

On June 13, 2024, a crowd of spectators watched Swaid accomplish the incredible feat to break the world record at Lake Mitchell, south of Birmingham.

“The first three attempts quickly failed, and during the fourth, part of the throttle lever impaled her left leg,” according to Porsche. “The next few attempts led to further injuries, but her team encouraged her to keep trying. And then, during the 10th attempt, the jet ski lifted off the sweet spot of the boat wake, barreled straight up, and rotated backwards, with Swaid and her jet ski flying upside down through the air and landing back in the correct position on the water. The spectators cheered. Swaid was exhausted and covered in blood and bruises, but happy.”

The story had an even happier ending as well, as Swaid was inspired after the event to start a foundation — Checkered Flag Living — which promotes both physical and mental health.

By the sounds of it, her incredible journey had a happy ending in more ways than one and should continue helping people living life to the absolute fullest.