This weekend I have been held in high esteem by my difficult-to-impress daughter. There is something a little bit special about announcing to your child, as they hold the Guinness Book of Records in their hands, that you used to be a world record holder.
That said, the high level of adoration lasted for all of five minutes before it evaporated. Apparently holding a world record for mass participation tap dancing is not particularly cool, even if it was with the late Roy Castle.
There are cooler world records to be held, I’ve been told - the sort that you can brag about in the playground in front of your classmates – and none of them involve tap dancing.
But I’m happy with my little accomplishment all those years ago. I am also more than happy for the owners of the following world records to hang onto them. There is no chance of me attempting to claim any of the following world records:
Most naked riders on a theme park ride – the greatest number of people to bare all on a theme park ride is 102, a record set by enthusiastic members of the public on the Green Scream roller coaster at Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK, on 8 August 2010.
Fastest motorcycle wheelie on a tightrope – Johann Traber (Germany) pulled off a daring 53-km/h motorcycle wheelie while riding along a tightrope at the Tummelum Festival in Flensburg, Germany on August 2005.
Most swords swallowed underwater – On 24 March 2010, Dan Meyer (USA) swallowed two swords underwater on the set of Lo Show dei Record in Rome, Italy.
Most rubber bands stretched on the face – Shay Horay, better known as “Rubberband Boy” (NZ), had 78 rubber bands stretched over his face on the set of Lo Show dei Record in Milan, Italy on 8 April 2011.
Longest time in full body contact with snow – Jin Songhao (China) was immersed in a pile of snow for 46 min 7 sec at the Center Square, A’ershan City, Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, China, on 17 January 2011. During the attempt the temperature was -37ºC (-34ºF). The snow pile had a diameter of approximately 1.7m (5 ft 6 in) at the base and was 0.7m (2 ft 3 in) tall.
We’ve been more than a little excited to receive the Guinness Book of Records 2012 direct from the Guinness World Records HQ in London. We love the book although I have been ordered to remove page 49 as it contains a picture of a tarantula.
Thanks for the warning re page 49, shall go and stick all the copies together in my local book shops...
Posted by: PippaD @ A Mothers Ramblings | October 04, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Great idea Pippa. Although I think that's illegal!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | October 04, 2011 at 12:52 PM
But have you SEEN the world's longest tongue? *Shudders* My kids can't stop STARING at it!
Posted by: Tara | October 04, 2011 at 10:17 PM
As of this Summer I am also a world record holder - the largest number of pirates in one place (penzance promenade)- I was there, with my two sons, dressed as a pirate. My baby son as just three weeks old was probably the youngest pirate in the largest number of pirates in a place!
Posted by: Monty Manatee | October 04, 2011 at 11:18 PM
You were there?! I REMEMBER THAT WORLD RECORD!! It was on Blue Peter, wasn't it?
Posted by: Iota | October 22, 2011 at 04:45 AM