top of page

English reading practice - Record Breakers - Shredding Records and Wagging Tails (C1/C2 Advanced)

Meet Otto, the four-legged sensation who has not only mastered the art of skateboarding but has also wheeled his way into the record books with an unbelievable feat – the Longest Human Tunnel Traveled Through by a Skateboarding Dog!


Picture this: a sunny day at the local skate park, laughter echoing, and the rhythmic clatter of skateboard wheels against the pavement. Suddenly, a furry dynamo zips through the crowd, effortlessly manoeuvring through a human tunnel made up of cheering fans. It's none other than Otto, the skateboarding wonder dog, stealing the show and breaking records with his canine charisma.


Otto's journey to becoming a skateboarding superstar started when he was just a pup. His human, Randy, a passionate skateboarder who lives in Lima, Peru, noticed Otto's natural affinity for wheels. Eager to share his love for skating with his four-legged friend, Randy introduced Otto to a miniature skateboard. Little did they know that this would be the beginning of an extraordinary partnership.


As Otto's skills progressed, Randy decided to take their act to the next level. The dynamic duo started performing at local skate parks, wowing audiences with Otto's gravity-defying stunts and impeccable balance. It wasn't long before word spread, and Otto became a local sensation.


But Otto wasn't satisfied with local fame – he had his eyes set on a world record. The ambitious goal? To break the record for the Longest Human Tunnel Travelled Through by a Skateboarding Dog. This record, previously held by a canine in Australia, seemed like a challenging yet attainable feat for Otto and Randy.


Months of rigorous training followed. Three-year-old Otto honed his skills, perfected his balance, and even learned to navigate through tight spaces with unparalleled precision. Randy, the dedicated coach, spent countless hours ensuring Otto's safety and performance were top-notch.


Finally, the big day arrived. A buzzing crowd gathered at the skate park, eagerly awaiting Otto's record-breaking attempt. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as Otto and Randy prepared for the challenge ahead.


With a burst of energy, Otto took off, expertly weaving through the human tunnel that had been carefully arranged by volunteers. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as Otto completed the record-breaking run gliding through 30 peoples legs, setting a new benchmark for skateboarding dogs everywhere.



News of Otto's achievement spread like wildfire, earning him international acclaim. Otto and Randy became overnight sensations, making appearances on television shows, news outlets, and even receiving shoutouts from fellow skateboarders and celebrities.


Beyond the records and fame, Otto's story is a testament to the incredible bond between humans and their furry companions. It's a reminder that with passion, dedication, and a touch of canine charisma, dreams – even the ones involving skateboarding through human tunnels – can become a reality.


So, the next time you hear the rhythmic clatter of skateboard wheels, keep an eye out for Otto, the trailblazing dog who not only skates into the record books but also into the hearts of everyone he meets


Check your understanding

  1. Who is Otto, and what unique talent has he mastered?

  2. What motivated Randy to introduce Otto to skateboarding, and how did their journey as a skateboarding duo progress?

  3. Describe the record-breaking feat achieved by Otto.

  4. How did Otto and Randy prepare for the record-breaking attempt?

  5. Beyond breaking records, what impact did Otto's achievement have on his and Randy's lives? How did they become sensations, and what recognition did they receive?


You can now listen to this article as a podcast just click here     


If you find this practice useful please consider supporting the author from just £1 per month here


Vocabulary
  1. Affinity: A natural liking or attraction towards something.

  2. Maneuvering: Skillful and strategic movement or control, especially in navigating through obstacles.

  3. Unparalleled: Unequaled or unmatched, indicating that something is superior to anything else of its kind.

  4. Rigorous: Thorough, accurate, and demanding, often involving strict attention to detail and a high level of difficulty.

  5. Canine: Relating to or characteristic of dogs. In this context, referring to Otto as a canine emphasises his identity as a dog.

8 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page