Yes, Ashrita Furman really did set a World Record for the “fastest mile sack-racing a Yak.” But this is just one of the eccentric New Yorker’s grand total of 521. Here we pay tribute to the delightfully daft Furman and his epic yet totally pointless records.
Food Records:
egg crack
1. Crushing the most eggs with the head in one minute (80 eggs).
2. Longest roll of an orange using the nose (1 mile).
2. Balancing the most eggs on end at one time (700 eggs).
4. Balancing the most milk crates on the chin (a 93-pound stack).
7. 1 mile hop, while hula-hooping (Moscow)
8. Fastest mile hula-hooping (Ayers Rock, Australia).
9. Fastest mile on a pogo stick (Antarctica).
10. Fastest mile bouncing on a space-hopper (Great Wall of China).
As of 2014, Furman has set 521 records. Many ask one question…. Why?
An ordinary man who decided to commit his life to extraordinary challenges, Furman has tried to explain his actions: “The point is joy. The point is the challenge. It’s something silly but you’re the best in the world at it.” He says he is trying to get people to believe in themselves and also to believe that anything is possible. To give him credit, these crazy challenges really do need talent and grit. Many of his victories were hard-won as he had to overcome physical pain and even shark attacks! In the process of his bizarre records he may even have left the world another legacy – Aqua Spinning:
11. Furthest underwater cycle (1.87 miles).
12. Longest underwater hula hoop (2mins 38 seconds)
13. Longest pogo underwater (3h 40mins).
14. Longest underwater juggle (48 minutes).
But even in the bizarre and joyful world of pointless records, the old tradition of sporting rivalry has raised its ugly head. Up and coming record-setter Suresh Joachim is out to beat Furman’s record of 521. Since he laid down this challenge Joachim has been busy, chalking up 67 epic yet pointless World Records already including:
15. Most ironing in one session (639 items in 55 hours).
16. Most bridesmaids at a wedding (79 bridesmaids).
17. Non-stop ten pin bowling (100 hours), couple dancing (31 hours) and drumming (84 hours).
18. Furthest basketball-dribble in 24 hours (97 miles).
19. Finally, he was also responsible for setting a World Record for the “longest non-stop movie marathon” (123 hours).
Back to its basics, this is sitting on a sofa and watching TV. This seems one we can all try – so people, grab that box set and start ‘training’!