Egyptian basketball player breaks Harlem Globetrotters record with amazing backwards shot

A basketball player who dreamed of seeing his name within the pages of Guinness World Records has broken TWO astonishing sporting records, even taking one from a Harlem Globetrotter.

On the same day, Alie Wessam (Egypt) claimed records for the farthest basketball hook shot from a distance of 25.26 m (82 ft 10 in) and the farthest basketball shot made backwards from 27.60 m (90 ft 6 in) away.

He was stood right on the other side of the court when he made both history-making shots.

The 21-year-old student said: “Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of seeing my name in Guinness World Records. I didn’t know what record it would be, but I always believed that one day I would find something that matched my passion.

“Basketball became that passion. I spent years training, competing, and pushing myself to become a better player. One day, while filming trick shots for social media, I had the idea of attempting an extremely long backward shot. Instead of treating it as just another video, I asked myself, ‘What if this could become a Guinness World Records title?’

“That question changed everything.”

Alie researched the existing records, build a training plan and worked with a fitness coach to improve his strength and range.

He dedicated hours to perfecting his technique.

He added: “It wasn’t just about making one incredible shot - it became a journey of discipline, patience, and believing that an impossible goal could become reality.

“Breaking the record wasn’t the end of the dream; it was the beginning. I hope to continue pushing the limits of what’s possible, break more records in the future, and inspire others to chase dreams that seem impossible at first.”

Alie has been playing basketball since he was four, has played for the Egyptian National Team and has been ranked among the best players in his age range during his career.

He continues to play today as part of his scholarship at Qatar University.

Alie isn’t sure exactly how many attempts it took him to land each of his records, but said he achieved one in a surprisingly quick five minutes, while another took around 45 minutes, leaving him “physically and mentally exhausted”.

But that just means it was all the more special when he finally heard the ball swoosh through the net.

He said: “Honestly, it felt unreal. It was a dream that had finally come true. I had imagined that moment for years, but when it actually happened, I could hardly believe it. All the hard work, training, and sacrifices suddenly felt worth it.”

Read about more records like this in our dedicated Sports and Fitness section.

Alie took the backwards shot record from Harlem Globetrotters star Corey "Thunder" Law (USA), who had secured it in 2024 with a shot from 26.72 m (87 ft 8 in) away.

When asked how that felt, Alie confessed: “It’s an incredible feeling. I’ve watched the Harlem Globetrotters since I was a child, so breaking one of their records is something I never imagined would happen.

“I have huge respect for everything they’ve accomplished, but as a competitor, my goal is always to push myself further. I’d love to challenge more of their records in the future.”

He added: “I’ve already attempted several more records on my own and even surpassed some existing marks, but they weren’t official attempts. My goal is to return and break many more Guinness World Records titles in an official setting.

“I believe I have the potential to set another 10 to 15 records with the right support, preparation, and opportunities.”

Alie says he would love for his story to inspire others – especially young people – to believe that their dreams can become reality.

He said: “I started with nothing more than a childhood dream and an idea for a basketball trick shot. Through years of dedication, discipline, and persistence, that dream became an official Guinness World Records title. I hope people see that success doesn’t always come from having the perfect opportunities - it comes from believing in yourself, working hard, and refusing to give up.

“If my journey encourages even one person to chase a goal they once thought was impossible, then I’ll consider that another achievement I’m proud of.”

Guinness World Records Adjudicator Kanzy Defrawy, who oversaw Alie’s attempts, said: “This was a very emotional adjudication for me. Watching Alie achieve something he has worked so hard for was truly special. I am extremely proud of what he accomplished and grateful to have been part of such an important moment in his journey. Moments like these remind us why Guinness World Records is so meaningful to so many people around the world.”