Guinness World Records is celebrating its 70th anniversary by unveiling 70 completely unclaimed record titles for aspiring record-breakers to attempt. The organisation first published its groundbreaking book on 27th August 1955, sparking worldwide curiosity about record-breaking achievements.
The concept originated from a shooting party debate in County Wexford, Ireland, in the early 1950s. Sir Hugh Beaver, then-managing director of Guinness Brewery, and his hosts argued about Europe's fastest game bird but couldn't find the answer in any reference book.
From pub arguments to global phenomenon
Sir Hugh Beaver developed the idea in 1954 as a Guinness promotion to settle pub disputes. He recruited Fleet Street researchers to compile facts and figures, leading to the first Guinness Book of Records publication.
Since then, thousands of records across sport, technology, human achievements, collections and extraordinary skills have been authenticated and documented. The franchise has sold 155 million copies worldwide, establishing itself as the definitive authority on record-breaking feats.
New records await challengers
The 70 new unclaimed records include quirky challenges such as the fastest 400-metre sack race and furthest distance bottle flip. Other available records include most whoopee cushions sat on in one minute and fastest time to blow a stamp 10 metres.
Additional challenges range from most high fives in 30 seconds to the fastest time to ascend Everest's height by bicycle. The organisation designed these records to encourage widespread participation in record-breaking attempts.
Record holders find life-changing success
Guinness World Records is highlighting the positive effects that achieving milestones has had on record holders' lives. Liz West exemplifies this transformation through her collection of more than 5,000 Spice Girls memorabilia pieces, which she began collecting in 1996.
West first earned her record in 2011 with 2,066 items including albums, magazines, sticker books and official merchandise, but has since more than doubled her collection. She credits the Spice Girls' colours and "girl power" influence with contributing to her success as a full-time artist.
"Holding the Guinness World Records title has allowed me to continue publicly exhibiting my collection nationally and internationally," West said. "In the early days of my career, my collection gave me the opportunity and ultimately allowed me to work full-time as an artist, which was always my dream. Being part of Guinness World Records 70th anniversary celebrations is wonderful and a huge honour. To be chosen amongst all the records globally ever made is incredibly touching - Girl Power!"
Technology meets record-breaking
The franchise is launching a new Record Selector tool on its website to match personality types with suitable record attempts through a short quiz. The innovation aims to help more people find records that suit their individual strengths and interests.
Craig Glenday, GWR editor-in-chief, said: "As we mark the 70th anniversary of the release of our first edition back in the 1950s, we're proud to be building on 70 amazing years as the global curator of superlative facts and achievements. We've seen so many iconic moments, the most amazing feats of strength and skill and endurance from talent across the globe and long may it continue. We're now looking forward and celebrating the current - and next - generation of record-breakers. We want everyone to be part of it, whether that's using our new record selector tool or having a go at one of our 70 unclaimed records, they are there for the taking."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
