How to Break and Set a World Record

A few months ago, a popular chef, Hilda Bacci set a world record for the longest cooking time. She cooked for ninety-three hours and eleven minutes in an attempt to break the former standing record of Chef Lata Tondon.

Since Hilda’s feat was recognized by the Guinness world record, many people have declared their interest to set a world record as well. Social media has been abuzz with diverse ideas; some quite original and some just downright out of line.

To be fair, the current craze to set a world record is understandable. Who wouldn’t want their names featured in the Guinness Book of Records along with other notable world record holders? Who wouldn’t covet the fame?

However, before you start drinking twenty-five crates of beer and eating a thousand eggs in the name of setting a world record, you had better do proper research.

In this guide, we’ll be walking you through 7 practical steps you can follow to set and break a world record. Hang in there.

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How to Set or Break a World Record in 7 Simple Steps

Guinness world record.

Hilda didn’t just wake up one day and start cooking. Like every record holder, she did her research, drew up a concise plan and followed due procedure. So before you start making those reckless moves, you should study the couple of tips we have for you in this guide.

Below are some practical steps you can follow to set or break a world record in no time.

Identify your goal

What exactly do you want to do? Do you want to set a world record or break a world record? Keep in mind that setting a world record and breaking a world record are two different things entirely.

For example, let’s assume you’re very good at running and you would love to set a world record by running for as long as you possibly can. The first thing you should do is visit the Guinness world record website. On the site, you can explore the database for every existing world record.

The point of doing this is to know if the record you’re attempting to set has been done before. If it has, then your first goal would be to break a Guinness world record. You can only set a new record for that particular activity after you have broken the existing world record.

However, if the activity hasn’t been attempted before, then your goal would be to set a world record. Now your goal has been defined and you know exactly what you want to do.

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Make sure your attempt is admissible

A lot of people and even animals have won the world record for the weirdest and most unimaginable things. A golden retriever dog in the USA, Finley, set a world record for the most tennis balls held in the mouth. Also, a British man, Gary Turner, set a world record for having the stretchiest skin. We can admit that these records are a bit strange. However, not every strange idea is accepted by the Guinness Book of Records.

According to the Guinness world record, an attempt should be “measurable, breakable, standardisable, verifiable and the best in the world.” They also have some policies on activities that they consider unsuitable or excessive. All this information can be found on their official website. So do your research before you decide on your chosen activity.

Practice makes perfect

Now there is no doubt that you’re probably very good at whatever it is you’ve chosen to do. If you believe you can do it, then kudos to you. However, talent alone isn’t enough to set a world record. Kaffy Oluwatoyin did not rely on her talent alone when she set a world record for the longest dance party.

What she did took endurance and determination. So no matter how good you are, you need to practice. You could do that by participating in both mental and physical exercises. Additionally, study record holders, how they trained and what helped them set a world record. If they can do it, then you can also achieve a similar or greater feat.

Proceed to the application

Next is your application process. You can’t set a Guinness world record if you don’t apply. It’s alarming that not many people know this. You have to make a legit application to the Guinness world record if you want to set a world record. All you have to do is visit their official site and click on the apply button.

Before this stage, you already know what you want to do. You have browsed through their database and you are POSITIVE that your activity is admissible. So apply. Fill out the form as you deem fit and wait for your application to be approved. There are different categories during the application process; the standard application and the priority application.

The standard application takes longer to be approved, while the priority application is more suitable if you’re in a hurry or would like to fast-track your attempt. You also have the choice of inviting an official—an adjudicator, to witness your record-setting event.

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The promising wait

According to the Guinness world record, they receive over fifty thousand record applications in a year. You can imagine how long it takes to sort through that number of applications. The wait period is said to range from five days to twelve weeks depending on your application category.

This period could make you anxious and jittery. It could be extremely difficult, but do not let anxiety ruin your progress. Instead, you should take the time to get into more practice. Push yourself to the limit with endurance activities and surround yourself with positivity.

The D-day: Time to set a world record

Congratulations! Your days of practising are finally over and you’re on your way to becoming a Guinness world record holder. After days or weeks of gruesome waiting, your application to set a world record has been approved. At this stage, you’ll be sent a list of rules and guidelines for you to follow.

You need to follow these rules strictly. Obeying them is what determines if you’ll earn your world record or not. This period might be a little daunting. This is when all your exercises and planning are put to use. Just remember, believing in yourself also goes a long way.

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Evidence and document submission

While you’re attempting to set your world record, every single second of your attempt must be recorded. You can’t lose a minute or even a millisecond of footage. This is a provision you must factor in during your planning stage. The footage is what will be submitted to the Guinness world record as proof that you followed their guidelines.

Even if an adjudicator is present at your attempt, the video evidence is still a necessity. It is only after the evidence has been thoroughly reviewed that you can be awarded your world record.

Other required documents would have been included with the guidelines sent to you when your application was approved. Ensure you include all necessary documents in your final submission to the Guinness world record.

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Final Thoughts

As you can see, setting a world record isn’t a walk in the park. Some people only see fame and a shiny medal. They missed out on the fact that medals can only come to those who, with their efforts, deserve it. There is no shortcut to being a world record holder. Every single step must be followed.

Hilda Bacci, Kaffy, and DJ Yin, all have one thing in common. They knew what they wanted, followed every step and put in their best effort. Your name can be the next to enter the Guinness Book of Records if you believe in yourself and take the right steps.

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About Author

Chioma Akorah

Akorah Chioma Diana is a recent graduate from the University of Lagos. A creative and content writer, her love for writing began in her Junior Secondary School when she became interested in reading.

A 2021/2022 KANAC Creative writing winner, excerpts of her work can be found in the KANAC Anthology, Pride Magazine Nigeria, and Tush Media Magazine.