Have you ever wondered why someone would grow their fingernails for 25 years, throw a washing machine, or learn to type with their nose?
This week, Marta from Poland has inspired us to explore the weird and wonderful world of Guinness World Records. We’ll discover some incredible achievements, some bizarre talents, and find out why Guinness has its name on the book. So, which record would you try to break?
Voice message from Rocio from Cadiz
Email from Marta from Poland
I was wondering if you’ve ever made a podcast episode on Guinness World Records. I know you’ve talked about the beer itself, but what does it have to do with some of the most famous or bizarre records ever set?
The Guinness World Records began in 1955, when Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of the Guinness brewery in Ireland, came up with the idea after a debate about which was the fastest game bird in Europe. He realised that a book answering questions about records and unusual facts could be very popular.
It was called Guinness World Records because it was originally created and sponsored by the Guinness brewery, famous for its Irish stout beer. Today, Guinness World Records is an independent organisation that verifies and documents extraordinary achievements and world records in everything from sports and science to nature and human abilities.
Anyone can suggest a new record through the official website https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/ The Guinness World Records team assesses the idea and, if it is approved, provides specific rules and evidence requirements. After the attempt, the team examines the evidence before deciding whether to recognise the record officially.
Weird World Records
The longest fingernails: Diana Armstrong of Minnesota. She last cut her nails in 1997 when her daughter died unexpectedly. 13,06 metres (42 ft 10.4 in)
The farthest throw of a washing machine: Johan Espenkrona from Sweden
In 2022, this strongman threw a washing machine 4.45 metres. It’s an extraordinary combination of strength and an extremely unusual choice of sporting equipment!
The loudest burp by a woman: Kimberly Winter from the USA
Her record-breaking burp reached 107.3 decibels—an astonishing volume for something most people try to hide in public!
The heaviest weight lifted with the tongue is 13 kg (28 lb 10.5 oz). Thomas Blackthorne (UK) achieved it on the set of the Italian TV show Lo Show Dei Record in Milan on 22 February 2022. Guinness compared it to a weight heavier than a two-year-old boy. Before the lift, Blackthorne hammered a huge nail through the hole in his tongue into a wooden block, then slid his tongue upwards.
He had five seconds to hold the weight at least 10 cm (3.93 in) off the ground. Guinness only accepts applications for this record from people aged 16 or over.
The farthest distance driven by a goldfish in one minute
Blub in The Netherlands
An engineer created a special vehicle controlled by a goldfish’s movements. The fish, named Blub, travelled 12.28 metres in one minute. Yes, a fish that drives!
The longest time with the head completely covered in bees
Nature M. S. from India
Known as the “Bee Man”, he kept his head covered in bees for 4 hours, 10 minutes and 5 seconds.
The fastest descent of 50 steps while walking on your hands
Hari Chandra Giri from Nepal
He demonstrated extraordinary upper-body strength and balance by descending a flight of stairs on his hands. It’s a bizarre but genuinely impressive athletic skill!
The fastest time to type the alphabet with the nose
Harsh Khokhar of India typed the alphabet in 16.97 seconds in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, on 2 February 2025.
The record for having broken the most records
Ashrita Furman, born in 1954 in New York, USA, has broken 700 Guinness World Records since his first in 1979! They include the most blow torches extinguished with the tongue in one minute (47 blow torches!) – don’t try this at home – and most sit-ups in an hour. Although some of his records have subsequently been broken by other people, he currently (2026) still holds about 200 world records.
Discussion
Why do you think people attempt records like this?
Would you attempt a world record yourself? If so, what would it be?
…and now it’s your turn to practise your English. If you were to train for a world record, which one would you attempt?
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