Chris Bromham
Chris Bromham (born 20 July 1957 in Skewen), is a retired Welsh stunt man. Bromham is the current World Record holder of the motorbike jump obstacle record, having jumped over 18 double decker buses on 29 August 1983.
Biography
Having found his talent with motorbiks, he took a series of jobs while honing his skills, including delivery work at the Co-op and surface work with the National Coal Board.[1]
Career
Having been inspired by the 1970s exploits of American Evel Knievel, Bromham found a talent for riding and jumping motorbikes, and trained himself part-time to became a stunt man. His first public performance was in 1977, performing at the Clovelly Art Festival in Devon,[2] which lead to a dual career as both stunt man and show performer. His first major film appearance was in 1979's Riding High, doubling for two characters in performing leaps and crashes.
In 1981, Bromham gained his first world record, jumping 28 cars at Swansea Airport to achieve the world obstacle record, in a well publicised event attended by 30,000 people. During the winter of 1981, Bromham was offered a tour of New Zealand. Following return to the UK in 1982, he planned his second world record attempt, where on 29 August 1983 at Bromley, Kent he broke two world record: the world distance record of 208 feet, and the world obstacle record of 18 double decker buses.
In 1984 Bromham worked on the Street Hawk bike after which he attempted another world record. Following its failure, he practised further and on 31 August 1986 secured two more World Records by jumping 20 lorries and extending the world distance record to 241 feet at the Royal Victoria Dock, London. Having been married to New Zealander Donna since 1977, Bromham undertook an 11month tour of the country in 1987. Bromham returned to the UK in 1988, and out-jumped Evil Knievel’s previous record when he cleared 14 single deck buses, which he performed in the guise of Cy-Clone, a robot character devised by Bromham and Mike Young, the creator of children's cartoon character SuperTed.
Over the next few years Chris continued to tour with his stunt show, which included a tour of the Isle of Man. A further record attempt fell foul of the weather and was rained off at Swansea Airport.
August 1997 Chris and his fiancée Anna-Marie were married and remain close, loyal partners.
During a twenty year period Chris Bromham displayed an exceptional drive and determination, which has asserted him as one of the great motorbike jump riders of all time. He has undoubtedly left his mark in the record books and has never buckled, even in the face of tragedy.
Chris still owns a range of motor bikes but now prefers to keep his wheels on the ground, although deep inside there is still an undeniable urge to fly.
Personal life
Following his 1981 tour, Bromham met his first wife Donna. Married on August 1983, the couple have two daughters, who joined Chris's son Shane. Donna was killed in a car accident in July 1992. Bromham married his current wife Anna-Marie in August 1997; the family live in wales.[2]
References
- ^ "Chrim Bromham - Biography". Chris Bromham. Retrieved 28 August 2008.
- ^ a b "Chrim Bromham - about me". Chris Bormham. Retrieved 28 August 2008.