Michigan man breaks complicated record by lifting more than 90 kg while riding unicycle
Dan Galanto (USA) proved that strength is as much a mental skill as it is physical by breaking three unique records.
As an avid weightlifter, Dan decided to claim a spot in history by doing what he does best: lifting weights. The twist is that he decided to do so while balancing on a unicycle. The act not only requires an immense amount of physical strength to lift the weight, but also the focus required to balance calmly.
After trying four times, on his fifth attempt, Dan broke the record for heaviest single weight lifted by barbell overhead press while riding a unicycle, lifting over 93 kg (206 lbs). He did this in 2024, breaking his own previous record of lifting 79.29 kg (174.80 lb) on a barbell while unicycling.
His persistence and dedication to breaking the record also proved how consistency is key to overcoming a challenge. For Dan, breaking this complicated record was much like solving a sudoku: a challenging puzzle.
Dan Galanto (USA) broke three records while lifting weights and balancing simultaneously.
“The best way I can explain it would be, we all do something that’s not translatable. People do … (puzzles) just for the fun of doing it,” Dan told a local news station. “This to me would be like a puzzle. Like: How can I get this weight in this novelty situation over my head on a unicycle in the most kinematic and efficient, safest way possible?”
Dan proved this philosophy by breaking two more records: heaviest single weight lifted by dumbbell overhead shoulder press while riding a unicycle and heaviest weight lifted by barbell push press on a balance board. He snagged these records from Jason Auld (UK) and Silvio Sabba (Italy) who lifted 30.90kg (68 lbs 12 oz) and 70.8 kg (156.08 lbs), respectively.
Dan demonstrated a striking balance of strength and focus by breaking the records.
For Dan, fitness and weightlifting is a way of life. The multitalented record holder has been weightlifting since he was 13 and riding unicycles since he was 16. He also teaches unicycling classes to his local community members in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He told his local news station that teaching people unicycling is a somewhat magical experience that allows people to realize how capable they are of doing things that seem like a mammoth of a task.