There’s nothing quite like the Guinness Book of World Records.
Since 1955, it’s celebrated the quirky, unique, and, at times, odd feats of extraordinary individuals across the globe. If you think something belongs in the record book, it’s probably already been documented.
Now in its 68th year of publication, the book continues to be distributed in 100 countries and 23 languages. Its database maintains over 53,000 records, highlighting that the human desire to seek out new forms is far from over.
The 2024 edition of the book is now available to buy, and it features another diverse array of people with unique lives and stories.
Some stories are inspirational and visually spectacular, leaving us in complete awe. Others are lighthearted and entertaining, putting a smile on our faces.
For instance, we can’t help but be filled with joy as we witness the incredible abilities of pets performing tricks that seem almost unreal. Anything involving pets is a winner in our eyes, so we may be slightly biased.
Then, there are the voices that inspire us with messages of positivity, acceptance, and healing. But where there are inspirational feats, someone completes the most scissor transitions on horseback. It’s a really mixed bag.
Just as the Guinness World Records book captures a snapshot of living, breathing ability. These dedicated articles serve as a magnifying lens, offering a closer look at the stories that, when woven together, create the vibrant tapestry of our reality.
Each story, in its own way, adds depth and richness to the human experience. Although it’s not just humans, we will get to that later.
Without spoiling the total delight of offerings within the book, Muscle and Health has peeked back through the record books to dig up and deliver our top 2024 records worth sharing.
Let’s take a look.
The Usain Bolt of Robots?
Say hello to Cassie: the fastest bipedal robot in the world over a 100-metre distance. Clocking in at 24.73 seconds, she’ll never give Usain Bolt a run for his money, but it’s a big deal in robotic technology.
Created by engineers at Oregon State University (OSU) and manufactured by OSU-spinout Agility Robotics, it’s important to note that Cassie isn’t the fastest-legged robot.
WildCat, a bulky quadrupedal prototype developed by Boston Dynamics, was capable of speeds of 19mph, while MIT’s four-legged Mini Cheetah can run at speeds of nine mph—but the fastest of her bipedal kind.
Cassie also took on the remarkable challenge of running ‘blind.’ Unlike an autonomous robot with external sensors, Cassie had to be guided by a human, like a remote-controlled car.
It’s truly astonishing what she achieved. Before this challenge, Cassie had already completed a 5K, albeit slower, taking 53 minutes to finish the distance.
Zion Clark. A real-life superhero
Zion Clark. Take a bow. The Los Angeles athlete, who was born without legs due to a rare disorder called Caudal regression syndrome, broke not one but two Guinness World Records, claiming the highest box jump with the hands and most diamond pushups in three minutes.
It’s the latest accomplishment for Clark, who, despite his physical limitations, has achieved remarkable success in various sports, including wrestling, MMA, and wheelchair racing, and being the focus of an EMMY Award-winning Netflix documentary.
Clark effortlessly surpassed the Guinness minimum requirement of 24 inches on his box jump, eventually setting a new record at an impressive height of 33 inches, before completing an astounding 248 diamond pushups in under three minutes on his second attempt. Awe-inspiring stuff.
Move over Rapunzel
We’ve likely all considered growing our hair out from time to time (sorry all the baldies out there), but Sidakdeep Singh Chahal from India has taken the concept to a whole new level. It’s been 15 years since he had a haircut. He is 15 years old. That’s right, he’s never seen a pair of clippers. Unsurprisingly, he now holds the record for the most extended hair on a male teenager.
His hair measures 130 cm or just about four feet and three inches, and takes around 20 minutes to wash and another half an hour to dry, and after that, brushing takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Chahal’s adherence to not cutting his hair stems from his religious beliefs, passed down by his parents. As a practitioner of Sikhism, he follows one of its core tenets—that of never cutting one’s hair, considering it a divine gift.
To honor this practice, Chahal typically ties his hair in a bun and covers it with a dastar, a traditional Sikh turban— a custom deeply ingrained in the traditions and values of Sikh culture.
Sky’s the limit for Turkish star
Behold a Guinness World Record Hall of Famer. Rumeysa Gelgi, a prominent figure in Turkey, is widely recognized as the tallest woman living and has an illustrious reputation as an activist, public speaker, and star. Initially, she gained recognition in 2014 when she was confirmed as the tallest teenager living then. Then, upon reaching adulthood, she shattered the record for the tallest woman living.
Standing at an astounding height of 215.16 cm (7ft 0.7in), Rumeysa’s fame has skyrocketed, captivating audiences worldwide.
But, beyond her remarkable stature, she’s an extraordinary young woman who fearlessly raises awareness about her unique medical condition. Rumeysa represents the first recorded case of Weaver Syndrome in Turkey and is only the 27th known case worldwide.
Good things come in small packages
On the opposite end of the height scale is Jyoti Amge. She’s another Guinness World Record icon, initially arriving on the scene in 2009 when she was confirmed as the world’s shortest-living female teenager, then at 61.95 cm (2 ft).
Two years later, on her 18th birthday, Jyoti’s height was measured once again. The confirmation that she stood at a mere 62.8 cm (2 ft 0.72 in) solidified her position as the world’s shortest living mobile female. Fast forward to the present day, Jyoti, now 28 years old, has not only maintained her record but also broke the record for the shortest actress after portraying the regular character Ma Petite in the acclaimed American Horror Story: Freak Show.
Google her name and witness several images that showcase her diminutive stature, including her being dwarfed by a microphone, a can of Coca-Cola, a group of Pigeons, a cup of coffee, and, ironically…a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Started from the bottom, now Victor’s here
Did you know? The world’s tallest mountain (technically) isn’t Everest, but Mauna Kea in Hawaii, although the latter base begins six kilometers below sea level. Having already conquered Everest, well-known adventurer Victor Vescoc and marine scientist Cliff Kapono decided to tick another climb off the list, but with a twist.
The ascent took place over three days and involved a submarine, kayaking, cycling, and hiking, making it not only a Guinness World Record but one of the most unique achievements in the book.
According to Vescovo, the expedition’s kayaking segment proved exceedingly tricky. He described it as one of the most challenging parts of the journey due to the unprecedented distance he had to cover, confessing that he had never attempted such a long kayaking distance before—demanding a 27-mile trip to shore.
Vescoco claimed another record, becoming the first person to reach Earth’s highest—the summit of Mount Everest. Victor also descended to the lowest depths of the planet—the mighty Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. What’s next?
Take my breath away
Talk about a wet kiss. In a remarkable feat, a couple deeply involved in freediving made history by sharing the longest-ever underwater kiss, clocking in at an impressive four minutes and six seconds. Beth Neale from South Africa and Miles Cloutier, hailing from Canada, achieved this lip-smacking achievement in a luxurious Maldives resort. Romantic.
They smashed the previous record of three minutes and 24 seconds set in Italy 13 years prior, cementing their love in the process, with the couple confirming their engagement soon after. They’re now proud parents to an 18-month-old daughter.
Neale and Cloutier first crossed paths around five years ago in Bermuda. Neale, an experienced freediving instructor, taught Cloutier the intricacies of this breathtaking sport involving diving without using breathing equipment. She must have taken his breath away, clearly.
Sonic’s biggest fan (ever)
Barry Evans loves Sonic the Hedgehog. In fact, the word love doesn’t do it justice. The Texas native made history by earning a well-deserved Guinness World Record for his unwavering passion for the blue gaming icon.
His remarkable collection of 3,050 items dedicated to the beloved high-speed video game character has secured him the renowned title of having the world’s most extensive collection of Sonic the Hedgehog memorabilia. Evans’ love affair with Sonic began three decades ago when he acquired his all-time favorite video game, Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
At that moment, he felt an undeniable connection and embarked on his extraordinary memorabilia-scouring journey, kickstarting his collection with a Sonic bubble gum container he acquired in 1993.
Over the years, Evans has amassed an extensive and diverse assortment of Sonic-related pieces. His treasures include arcade machines, plush toys, figurines, lapel pins, posters, and other captivating memorabilia. Doctor Eggman will be knocking on his door one day.
