King of keepy-uppy juggles his way into the record book
A WELSH freestyle footballer, longdistance singers and bog snorkellers are among those featured in the latest edition of the Guinness World Records.
Ash Randall, 29, from Ely, Cardiff, holds the record for the longest time controlling a football with the soles of his feet while on the roof of a moving car.
Ash, who once completed the Cardiff Half Marathon while doing keepyuppies, broke the record on the runway of Cardiff Airport after gaining special permission from officials.
Meanwhile, Welsh singer Shan Cothi holds the world record for the greatest distance between people singing a duet. She teamed up with Argentinian singer Andres Evans for a historic performance that took place 12,120km (7,531 miles) apart, with Cothi singing her part in Cardiff while Evans sang from Gaiman in Argentina.
The duet formed part of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the first Welsh settlers arriving in the Patagonian area of Argentina in 1865.
Another record is for the number of entrants for a World Bog Snorkelling Championship. This reached 200 on August 31, 2009, at Waen Rhydd peat bog, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys.
This year’s book also features a section dedicated to the so-called maker movement, recognising inventors and creators of such things as the biggest water pistol and toothpick sculptures.
Their achievements can all be found in the 2019 Guinness World Records book, which is out now.
Some of the other weird and wonderful record-breakers include Rolf Buchholz, who has an astonishing 516 modifications, and even plans to add more, having had his first aged 50. The 59-year-old, from Dortmund in Germany, said he “started with tattoos and piercings” and “did more and more”.
He added: “It is so great to be in the book. It is something special. I am very proud to be in the book.”
He has the most body modifications of any man in the world, according to the records.
Former professional ice-skater Betty Goedhart (US) has always been active, and since visiting a circus with her parents at a young age was mesmerised by trapeze artists. However, she never had the chance to try the aerial art until she was 78.
She now holds the record for the oldest performing flying trapeze artist (female), aged 84 years 249 days.
She said: “Having this record title means so much to me – I’m amazed that I was able to get here. Isn’t it fun to do the impossible?”
Chef-turned-DJ Sumiko Iwamura, 83, offered sage advice after being named the oldest professional club DJ. The restaurant owner from Tokyo, who spins the decks for crowds after finishing her shift as a cook, said: “Try something and don’t give up... there are opportunities around every corner.”
Ms Iwamura, who takes on her slot as DJ Sumirock after working all day, said: “Doing something totally different is energising.”