In a feat that redefined aerial athletics, American gymnast Lily Smith has executed a breathtaking balance beam routine suspended 52 storeys above the bustling streets of Manhattan.
A Rooftop Performance Defying Gravity
The daredevil sequence, performed on Friday, 16 January 2026, was choreographed by Smith herself and featured a series of complex, gravity-defying manoeuvres. The most demanding of these was an impressive front-toss-pike, performed with precision at a dizzying height.
Adding to the extreme nature of the setting, the performance beam was positioned an extra 9.5 feet above the rooftop itself – double the standard competition height – offering a sheer drop to the city far below.
An Athlete at the Peak of Her Powers
Lily Smith is recognised as a rising star in NCAA gymnastics and a sponsored Red Bull athlete, having previously achieved perfect 10 scores across various events. This latest adrenaline-fuelled achievement adds to her expanding catalogue of triumphs.
"Performing this routine in such a unique and unusual setting, ahead of my college season, was a total thrill for me," Smith said. "This challenge reflects what I strive for in my sport - pushing limits, embracing creativity, and expressing my own style."
She merged elements of competitive beam routines with inspiration from her early training in rhythmic gymnastics and classical ballet. To execute the routine flawlessly, she relied on her exceptional control, focused breathing, and visualisation techniques.
A High-Flying Brand Collaboration
The once-in-a-lifetime performance was staged to celebrate the launch of Rimmel London's new Thrill Seeker Mega Lift mascara, a product claimed to offer up to six times more visible lash volume. The event marked the first collaboration between Rimmel and Red Bull.
Janine Fernandes from Rimmel London stated: "Partnering with Red Bull on this adrenaline-fuelled project, 52 stories above the ground, is an incredible moment for Rimmel. Lily's extraordinary achievement and fearless ambition mirrors our own heritage of empowering bold self-expression."
Smith concluded, "As I head into my 2026 competition season, I plan to carry this experience with me to stay calm, confident, and completely fearless, always."
