An 18-year-old New Yorker named Cameron Heinig has shattered a Guinness World Record. The feat involved catching a tennis ball dropped from a drone hovering at an altitude of 469.5 feet.
Cameron, along with his friend Julian, a proficient drone pilot, devoted two consecutive summers to their ambitious goal of setting a new record for the highest catch of a tennis ball. Despite the daunting task, Cameron was surprised to find that the impact of the catch was not as painful as he had anticipated, likening it to a particularly firm high-five.
During their initial summer of attempts, success seemed elusive as the ball consistently slipped past Cameron’s grasp. Undeterred by these early setbacks, the duo returned the following summer with a revised strategy. They incorporated a baseball glove into their practice sessions, which proved to be a game-changer.
As Cameron’s proficiency in catching the ball barehanded improved, he decided to take on the challenge without the safety of the glove. This decision was made despite his apprehensions about potential pain.
The official attempt at the record was briefly delayed due to a technical issue. A surveyor, brought in to measure the drone’s height, found the drone too small for precise measurement. To rectify this, the drone was modified to include a reflector, ensuring accuracy.
On the day of the official attempt, Cameron managed to catch the tennis ball on his third try. The surveyor confirmed that the ball was released from a height of 469.5 feet, beating the previous record by a significant 75.4 feet.
Despite his initial concerns about potential pain, Cameron was driven by his desire to secure a Guinness World Record title. His achievement stands as a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
