Mohammed al-Sheikh, 12, may feel trapped in Gaza, but is trying for a Guinness world record with his body-bending contortions and impressive backflips.
In an interview with AFP, al-Sheikh and his trainer, Mohammed Lubbad announced that Guinness had accepted the boy's bid for a world record: "Most full body revolutions maintaining a chest stand in one minute."
His stunts - throwing his legs over his shoulders, leaping while doing the splits, hanging from monkey bars in a twisted pose - have earned him the nickname of "Spiderman" in the Gaza Strip, much to his delight.
Al-Sheikh first took the spotlight in 2014, when he appeared on "Arabs Got Talent" in Lebanon, where his body-bending antics won him 14 million votes. Just before appearing on the popular television show, al-Sheikh's training was interrupted by the 50-day war in Gaza that left over 2,000 Palestinians dead. He didn't win on "Arabs Got Talent," but now he's trying for the world record.
Record or not, his mother Hanan told AFP, her son is already a "world champion" to her.
With a blockade on Gaza lasting nearly ten years, it is challenging for young, talented Palestinians to learn and cultivate their skills - whether athletes, musicians, or artists - let alone to travel abroad to compete or gain expertise.
But with the aid of YouTube videos and some dedicated coaches, more kids in Gaza are finding creative outlets to express themselves and feel a little more free.
