Daniel Browning Smith | |
|---|---|
 Smith in 2006 | |
| Born | May 8, 1979 [1] Meridian, Mississippi, United States [1] |
| Other names | The Rubberboy |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, contortionist, television host, comedian, sports entertainer, stuntman |
| Years active | 2002–2016 |
Daniel Browning Smith, also known as The Rubberboy (born May 8, 1979), is an American contortionist, actor, television host, comedian, sports entertainer, and a stuntman, owning a total of seven Guinness World Records . Famous for his extreme abilities as a contortionist, he was renowned for his mastery of frontbending, backbending, and dislocations among his peers. Smith attributes his exceptional flexibility to the genetic condition hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS).
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While hEDS is relatively common among contortionists due to tendon and ligament laxity, it is important to note that extreme flexibility often necessitates extensive conditioning and strength training to ensure stability and reduce the risk of long-term injury. This requirement is frequently overlooked or misunderstood, and the misconception is sometimes reinforced by performers who attribute their abilities primarily to innate flexibility. [2] [3] [4]
Although Smith has been described in popular media as "the most extreme contortionist of all time," such superlatives often reflect a limited understanding of the broader contortion community, rather than an objective ranking. Many performers, past and present, have demonstrated levels of skill and flexibility that challenge conventional perceptions of extremity, and Smith's achievements are perhaps best appreciated within the context of his dedication, conditioning, and personal mastery rather than an absolute title.
