By Dean Murray
Incredible challenges achieved are being celebrated on Guinness World Records Day 2025.
To mark the occasion, taking place Thursday, Nov. 20, three new UK records were set at the Up at The O2 roofwalk in London, ahead of the opening of the first permanent Guinness venue there in 2026.
Josh Patterson set a world first with the fastest climb and descent of The O2 in 4 minutes 40.79 seconds, smashing the previous 10-minute target.
Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley carried 360kg in one minute for the most weight moved by sandbag carry (female), beating the minimum by 160kg.
Ex-GB gymnast Lucie Colebeck completed 17 standing backwards somersaults in 30 seconds despite windy conditions, her second GWR title.
Globally, record-breaking feats included the largest afro in the USA, the highest bicycle backflip in China, a football sole touch record on a moving quad bike in the MENA region, and a unique Japanese record for cans placed on the body with air suction.
Will Munford, adjudicator at Guinness World Records, said: “This year we are encouraging everyone to be part of Guinness World Records Day, no matter what your passion or skill, there is a record to be broken.
“Seeing all the records from around the world this year, from football to human body feats, it shows the range of records but all with the same goal, to do their best and inspire others to do the same.
“With our first permanent entertainment venue coming to The O2 in late 2026, it’s your chance to have a go and potentially walk away a record breaker.”
Records achieved globally include:
USA: Largest afro (female) – 29 cm (11.42 in) tall, 31 cm (12.2 in) wide, and 190 cm (6 ft 2.87 in) in circumferenceCHINA: Highest bicycle backflip – 2.90 meters (9 ft 6.17 in)MENA: Most football sole touches on a moving quad bike in 30 seconds (team of two) – 23
