Eastvaal Motors’ Chris Liebenberg is a member of tyre flipping #TeamChris

SECUNDA – You need more brain than brawn to set up a record in tyre flipping.

This is according to Mr Chris Liebenberg (41), the new manager of Ford’s New Car Sales Department at Eastvaal Motors Secunda.

Mr Liebenberg forms part of #TeamChris that has set up about 10 world records in tyre flipping. Mr Chris Batts is the other half of the duo, hence the name, #TeamChris.

According to Mr Liebenberg, tyre flipping is an endurance event where you have to apply your mind.

“The tyre weighs about 100kg that must be flipped repeatedly for a length of time or a specific distance. If you rely only on your strength, you will be exhausted after a while.”

Mr Liebenberg took to tyre flipping in 2013.

He is a former rugby player who, in his younger years, was part of the Free State U/19 and U/21 teams.

He wore the Blue Bulls Country team jersey from 2004 to 2006 and he also played more than 250 matches for the Northerners.

Back in the day at his rugby peak, he played the position of either flyhalf or fullback.

He later played in the front lines as scrumhalf, lock and eighth man.

“I worked for many years in the motor sales industry, especially in a managerial capacity and I therefore had the chance to sponsor Chris in many of his charity events. He eventually persuaded me to join his ranks.”

#TeamChris has been involved in numerous awareness campaigns and charity work, such as a 999 Flips for Joost van der Westhuizen.

They travel countrywide to take part in events, especially to create awareness of anti-crime campaigns.

Mr Batts runs Sports against Crime and also manages an online radio station.

Mr Liebenberg estimated that there are about 560 flips in 1km and #TeamChris averages 12 to 15 flips per minute.

“We work in rhythms of 10. You have to keep moving, because once you stop, you simply will not be able to continue. Our motto is to keep at it even if you are moving slower than usual.”

His rugby years might be a thing of the past, but Mr Liebenberg still believes in keeping fit. He works out using only a huge tyre.

It is a strenuous exercise that works on every part of your body.

This workout includes a sprint where he completes 10 sets of 15 flips as fast as he can, amounting to about 20 flips in 45 seconds.

Mr Liebenberg is married to Ms Tania Liebenberg and they have four children, Dian (18), Minette (16), Kyle (16) and Jordan (8).

They root for him all the way, but the kids are not quite ready to try it for themselves.

They are concentrating on cricket, athletics and rugby.

Mr Liebenberg joined the Eastvaal Motors team two months ago and recently introduced the first flipping challenge to Secunda where #TeamChris raised awareness for Feral Watch and TNR.

Spectators and participants were asked for cat food and accessories as donations.

“We hope to regularly host similar events for other welfare organisations.”