NBC's TODAY Show celebrates the new GWR 2018 with a week of record-breaking
For the past three years, NBC’s TODAY Show has celebrated the release of the new Guinness World Records annual with “Break It TODAY”, a series of televised record attempts aired throughout the week.
Current title holders have been rising to the Break It TODAY challenge under the watchful eye of adjudicator Michael Empric, renowned hosts Al Roker, Hoda Kob, Matt Lauer, and Savannah Guthrie, as well as thousands of viewers who have tuned in to watch the live attempts in New York City.
In case you missed this week’s excitement, we’ve compiled the videos for you to see a week’s worth of dynamic record-breaking, from incredible weightlifting, basketball spinning, and whip cracking.
Monday: Most weight lifted in one minute by barbell thruster (female)
Reebok athlete and cross-fit champion Annie Thorisdottir (Iceland) showed off her incredible strength by attempting a weightlifting record in the TODAY show plaza. Often referred to as the “Fittest Woman on Earth” Annie’s enthusiasm and confidence seemed to stem from her two other previous record titles, for Most weight lifted in one minute barbell snatch (female) and Most weight lifted in one minute clean and jerk (female). For this attempt, Annie lifted an 85-pound weight, with the aim of beating the record title minimum of 550 kg. In just sixty seconds, she managed to impress the world once again with her might as she more than doubled the minimum at 1,272.33 kg.
Tuesday: Most watermelons split by karate chop in one minute
The following day featured Ronald Sarchian (USA), kickboxing athlete and stuntman who previously held records for the Longest marathon, punch-bag, Most round house kicks in a minute, Most full contact kicks in one hour, and Most full contact punch strikes in one hour. Eager to gain his status back as a current record holder, Ron elected to slice open a table filled with watermelons using the force of his bare arm. In an intense and agonizing sixty seconds, he managed to obtain a new standard of 42 watermelons, icing his wrists promptly afterwards.
Wednesday: Most marshmallows caught by mouth in one minute
On Wednesday “Break It TODAY” starred two record attempts, starting the morning off with social media sensation and record holder Jugglin’ Josh Horton. Known for his astounding hand-eye coordination, Josh, who holds records for Most basketball arm rolls in one minute (three basketballs) and Longest duration juggling with five basketballs, was excited to attempt a partner record with friend Jake Triplett for the Most marshmallows caught by mouth in one minute title. No easy feat, Josh and Jake would need to surpass a minimum of 38 marshmallows. Did the pair earn another title? Click to find out!
Wednesday: Longest time to spin a basketball on a toe and Longest time to spin a basketball on the finger while pogo stick jumping
Later that morning it was the turn of father-son duo Michael and Carson Kettman (USA). Michael, who has previously appeared on Guinness World Records German Television Show, has basketball spinning records for Most basketballs spun simultaneously blindfolded and Most basketballs spun simultaneously on a frame. He has seemed to pass on his athletic talent to son Carson, who attempted a basketball spinning record while simultaneously jumping on a pogo stick. Both father and son were trying their hand at titles they had never attempted before, but they lived up to the pressure. With 12-year-old Carson earning a time of 40.31 seconds and dad a total of 35.03 seconds, both left the set record holders.
Thursday: Most jenga blocks removed with a whip in one minute
A week of record-breaking ended with 2018 edition star April Choi (USA) taking a crack at a tower of jenga blocks. With careful measurement and calculated precision, April was trying to beat her own record on the show which currently stands at four. The whip artist had a large crowd cheering her on in the outdoor plaza, but unfortunately she was not able to beat her own title. Nevertheless, adjudicator Michael Empric surprised April with a certificate for a record she has just recently had verified, for Most newspapers split with a bullwhip in one minute.
To read about more extraordinary record holders like these, get the new Guinness World Records 2018 Edition which is out to buy now.
