London contortionist sets new world record by holding bodyweight with mouth

London, May 30 (ANI): A London-based contortionist has created a new endurance world record by holding her entire bodyweight on her mouth in an arduous backbend.

Twenty-eight-year-old Iona Luvsandorj, a resident of West Hampstead, held a pose called the "Marinelli bend"-in which the whole body is supported by the mouth by gripping onto a short post that is held between the gums-for 33 seconds, beating the existing world record by 11 seconds.

Born and brought up in Mongolia, the cartoonist with 19 years of experience has travelled the world performing in over 16 different countries at gala evenings, theatres, cabaret shows and on television.

She is implausibly bendy and is also capable of twisted headstands, scales and multiple body folds.

Iona, who was one of seven children born to a policeman and a nurse, is presently studying for a law degree at Birbeck College, part of the University of London.

According to her, she is not the only person in the UK who can do the Marinelli bend.

According to the Telegraph, talking about her Guinness World Record attempt, Iona said: "It's not painful - if it was I wouldn't be here now. But there are very few people that can do what I am about to do, so don't try this at home."

Iona's performance will be telecast on the Sky 1 show 'Guinness World Records Smashed!' on May 31. (ANI)