This man records the most amazing people
dubai — The Guinness World Records might be a great title to hold, but ever since its inception, the book has had a deeper purpose to achieve: Celebrating the great aspect of humanity.
Back in 1954, when the UK was still feeling the effects of the World War II, Sir Roger Bannister broke a record doctors and scientists thought was impossible when he ran a mile in less than four minutes. Now 63 years later since the publication of the first Guinness World Record book in 1955, the book has been capturing humanity’s achievements and embracing uniqueness.
Craig Glenday, the editor-inchief of the Guinness World Records who published 13 of those books, told Khaleej Times that the book has been acting like a “superhero organisation where the most amazing people come together in one place.”
During his stay for the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, he shared with the audience ways to become a superhero, which was the theme of Guinness World Records 2018.
“The book encourages people to find their inner superhero and celebrate them for being different. Whether it’s the fastest man on the planet to a seven-year-old who can do flips on a skateboard, these little things deserve to be celebrated,” said Glenday. “The idea is setting a goal for yourself and celebrating the fact that you achieved it.”
Glenday himself once held a record for the longest Curly Wurly stretch of 91cm in three minutes without it snapping.
He said the record book aims to teach new generations that being different is good. “From humans to space, science, animals, history, sports and politics, the book continues to offer a snapshot of the real world,” said Glenday.
With a team of over 100 dispersed in the UK, New York, Dubai, Beijing, Tokyo and Australia, the Guinness World Records has been developing its records to adapt with the new technological revolution. The team evaluates incoming projects, sometimes travelling the globe in pursuit of records like Glenday does.
Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence and new sports like paper aircraft will be new categories to be added in the next book.
“Since the emergence of YouTube, Spotify and Instagram, people have been developing apps. On average, we receive about 1,000 apps lined for the world records per week with only 5 per cent making it through,” said Glenday, stating that measurability and universality of a project are among the criteria of gaining a world record.
He added: “It’s a privilege to be present at such a time. I have the best job in the world getting to meet and be inspired by hardworking and creative people.”
In 10 years’ time, Glenday said he expects even newer trends that humanity does not yet expect. And The Guinness World Records will be there to reflect what the world is.