Year in World Records – July: Pokemon Go takes the world, millions of trees planted, and vinyl records played in space

By Kristen Stephenson

Published 27 December 2016

With a year packed full of amazing world record achievements drawing to a close, Guinness World Records is taking a month-by-month look back over the most impressive, exciting and game-changing accomplishments that have happened in 2016.

In July of 2016, we saw a host of incredible titles achieved, ranging from ancient ceremonial Aztec dances, to the retro-futuristic accomplishment of vinyl records being played for the first time in space.

One of the most daring yet terrifying titles set during the month was a successful bid for the Highest skydive without a parachute record.

Skydiver Luke Aikins (USA) managed to leap from a plane at 25,000 ft (7,600 m) above the ground, and descended without any kind of safety parachute.

Highest skydive without a parachute ever

The 42-year-old who had previously starred in major stunt films such as Iron Man 3, only had a GPS to navigate him towards the net he was to land in for the attempt.

If you have the nerve to watch, the footage from Luke’s fall is absolutely gripping.

In South Africa, a remarkable record title was completed in honour of Nelson Mandela Day, a holiday in July which celebrates the legacy of the endeared politician and philanthropist.

For this year’s observance, thousands of donated knit blankets were sewn together at the Western Cape to Drakenstein Prison, a location where Mandela spent 27 years of incarceration.

In front of the iconic commemorative Mandela statue, the gigantic spread measured 1,378.28 m² (14,835.68 ft²), achieving the title for Largest hand knit blanket, non-crochet.

All blankets were later donated to keep those less fortunate warm in the coming winter season.

Read more: Indian women make largest crochet blanket ever then donate it to charity

Across the world in India, an enormous ecological title saw more than 800,000 government officials, students and volunteers take part in the Most trees planted in 24 hours (team).

Taking place in over 6,146 locations, small trees were planted on roads, public property and railways in a $6 billion effort to reforest 12% of Indian state, Uttar Pradesh’s land.

One of the most environmentally friendly titles we saw in the summer season, a massive total 50,414,058 million trees in total were planted.

Read more: Volunteers in India plant over 50 million trees for huge ecological record attempt

Also accomplished in India this month, was the feat of extraordinary six-year old Om Swaroop Gowda, who completed the Farthest distance limbo-skating under cars.

In the sensational video, Om lowers himself into an astounding split while traveling 65.283 m (214 ft 2.2 in) under 36 cars.

Many could not go anywhere this summer without bumping into someone playing the hugely popular Pokemon Go video game, which sparked childhood memories for thousands when it hit mobile phones in July.

The craze saw the game earn the title for Fastest time to gross $100 million by a mobile game, collecting that amount in just 20 days.

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Since Pokemon Go’s launch, several new gaming record titles were opened and achieved by avid competitors.

Mexico got festive in July, with 260 costumed dancers gathered at the city of Teotihuacán; considered one of the most important pre-Hispanic areas in Mesoamerica.

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In gorgeous feathered hats and traditional movements, dancers collectively achieved the Largest ancient ceremonial Mexican dance in front of a stunning backdrop of ancient pyramids.

Completing an astounding adventure mid-month, Russian explorer Fedor Konyukhov took the title for the Fastest circumnavigation by balloon solo after a grand round-the-world journey in his hot air balloon in 11 days.

Fastest circumnavigation

Fedor hardly slept during the entirety of his journey, battling Antarctic winds and temperatures down to -56C, making his record a truly impressive and rare achievement.

Read more: Fedor Konyukhov completes solo circumnavigation of earth in hot air balloon

The final frontier saw an amazing record this month, where Third Man Records in junction with designer Kevin Carrico, created a specialized turntable capable of playing vinyl at 28.78 km (17.88 mi) above the ground.

Called the Icarus Craft, the device was released using a high-altitude balloon, where it played “A Glorious Dawn” amongst the stars, and received the title for First vinyl record played in the stratosphere.