Almost Impossible
1 season, 20 episodesWIRED's Robbie Gonzalez explores the science behind remarkable feats of strength, agility and performance that test the limits of human possibility, from breaking the two hour marathon to landing a quintuple jump to holding your breath for 24 minutes.
Season 1
Science
One of the world's finest distance runners came so close to achieving the greatest feats of athleticism in history: a sub two-hour marathon. To do it, the Eliud Kipchoge should have maintained an average pace of at least 13.1 miles per hour. So, we timed how long WIRED staffers could run at that speed. Needless to say, we didn't last long. Here's why only a handful of people in the world could ever come close to a two-hour marathon.
Science
Spanish freediver Aleix Segura held his breath for 24 minutes and 3 seconds in 2016. How is that possible? Here's how.
Science
At this year's Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, we may see quad corks in Big Air Snowboarding or in Freestyle Skiing -- and we'll see quad twists and quad jumps in Figure Skating. But have we reached the limit of what's possible? To do a quad, a skater's got less than a second to turn their body four times in the air. WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez set out to find out why five...is almost impossible.
Science
More and more pitchers are throwing triple digits. The fastest of them tops out at 105 MPH. WIRED examines why the 110 MPH fastball is almost impossible.
Science
The world's best numbers juggler can throw and catch 14 balls. Once. Has he reached juggling's limit? WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez looks into the physics and physicality of extreme juggling.
Science
The "gol olimpico" or "Olympic goal" – an unassisted corner kick bent into goal – is one of the rarest in soccer. WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez straps on his shin-guards to explore the shot's perfect mix of soccer science and skill.
Science
Skipping stones is a fun pastime but some people take it very seriously and compete. The world record number of skips is 88! WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez dives into the physics and physicality of extreme stone skipping.
Science
The standing vertical jump is an important measure of an athlete's explosive power and a critical test in the NFL Combine. So who jumps the highest? And what's the limit? WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez jumps in to examine the physics and physicality of maximum leaping ability.
Science
Usain Bolt is "the world's fastest man" because he has the record for the 100 meter sprint at 9.58 seconds. But could runners go faster? WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez explores the science of extreme sprinting speed.
Science
The hour record for cycling is very simple. It's just one rider going as far as possible for one hour. WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez explores the physical power needed to push for 60 minutes and the equipment and track choices that can make or break the record.
Science
For decades hula hoopers have been competing to see who can whirl the greatest number of hoops. The world record is currently 200 hoops, but could it go up? WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez examines the science and skills behind the spin.
Science
The very best basketball free throw shooters can sink the ball about 90 percent of the time. What would it take to get to 95 percent? WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez steps up to the foul line with top shooter Steve Nash to find out.
Science
In 2020 climbing will be an official Olympic sport with three events -- lead, bouldering and speed climbing. The fastest time up the standard 15 meter speed wall is 5.48 seconds. Could it be faster? WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez climbs with junior champion Jordan Fishman and professional climber Alex Honnold to find out.
Science
The current world record for solving a Rubik's cube is 3.47 seconds. Could it be faster? WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez explores the mind-boggling math and finger-twisting world of speed cubing.
Science
WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez looks at carry vs. total distance, breaks down the biomechanics of the tee shot, and gets tips from Dustin Johnson, one of the top drivers on the tour, to find out why it's Almost Impossible to drive a golf ball 450 yards through the air.
Science
Some of the best tennis players have incredibly fast serve speeds. The fastest official serve is 157 MPH, but could it be even faster? WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez looks into the science and skill of sizzling serves.
Science
The world record for a N.F.L. game field goal is 64 yards. But place kickers have sent the ball far further in practice. Is a 90 yard kick possible? To find out, WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez explores the physics of long kicks and gets a lesson from pro kicker Harrison Butker.
Science
The dreaded 7-10 split is by many accounts the toughest shot in bowling. WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez went to the U.S. Bowling Congress to meet a pro bowler, an engineer, and a robot named Earl, to find out why it's actually Almost Impossible.
Science
Tricking is a sport with roots in martial arts and elements of tumbling and breakdancing mixed in. The quadruple cork is tricking's ultimate feat: an off-axis backflip combined with four rotations in the air on a separate axis. WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez spoke with some of the best trickers in the world to find out how they do it, what makes it so hard, and whether anyone will ever manage to pull off a quint.
Science
Ever wonder what the upper limit of the shot put is? The record is 23.12 meters, or just under 75 feet. But could someone come along and put one even further? WIRED's Robbie Gonzalez met up with Olympic record holder Ryan Crouser to find out why putting a shot 24 meters is Almost Impossible.