This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
Nairobi will be abuzz with excitement on Saturday as Joe Odhiambo, a Kenya-born American basketball trickster, attempts to break his 18th world record in ball handling.
On June 1, 2019, Odhiambo reclaimed one of his world records in Maui, Hawaii, spinning one basketball for 12 minutes and 43 seconds on one hand, surpassing the previous record of 11 minutes and 22 seconds.
At Nairobi's Charter Hall, Odhiambo will attempt to set two more world records: spinning two basketballs for the longest time on two hands and juggling two basketballs while spinning one on a finger.
The day's programme will kick off with a morning basketball clinic, followed by the world record attempt at 1pm.
"I set my first world record during the NBA All-Star games in Houston, Texas, at Toyota Center. Since then, I have set records all over the world. This will be my first attempt at setting one in my home country, Kenya," said Odhiambo, who won five national secondary schools titles from 1982 to 1986 at St Theresa's and St Patrick's Iten.
Odhiambo currently holds seven ball handling records in the Guinness Book of World Records and has broken a total of 17 in his career.
"I have broken records all over the world, and I would love for my fans in Kenya to see me in action. They normally see the posts on YouTube or Facebook, and some asked if I can make a run at home to inspire," Odhiambo said.
The event has been organized by Beyond Hoops Africa, a community-based organization that uses basketball and life-skills as a tool for community inclusion and developing the game of basketball at the grassroots level.
