Most world record holders are incredibly determined individuals who seem to have almost superhuman abilities. Just think about Chris Ridgway, the first amputee to win a summer X Games gold medal, or Tom Sietas, the guy who swam 200 meters without taking a breath. Crazy, right? But despite their remarkable achievements, these people are human, just like you and me. They reached their goals through hard work and self-belief.
You can do it too, with enough talent, the right attitude, and a strong work ethic. Bodybuilders, in particular, tend to be some of the most dedicated people in the world. But how do you go about breaking a world record yourself?
I won’t give you the usual advice like “Work hard and believe in yourself,” though those are important. Instead, I want to inspire you by sharing stories of those who have already achieved greatness. Sometimes all you need is a little push in the right direction. Let’s look at three of the most inspiring bodybuilders featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.
**Edith Wilma Connor – The World’s Oldest Female Bodybuilder**
At 65, Edith Wilma Connor decided to start lifting weights. She found it to be a great way to relieve stress from her job in data entry. She entered her first bodybuilding competition and won first place, eventually becoming a certified personal trainer for senior citizens. Now, at 77, she continues to stay active with aerobic exercises and heavy lifting at least three times a week. Imagine, at her age, she even adds an extra 25 pounds to the barbell for fun! Her dedication and activity levels have rightly earned her the title of the world’s oldest female bodybuilder.
**Moustafa Ismail – The World’s Biggest Biceps**
Moustafa Ismail, a 24-year-old Egyptian man, was so committed to bodybuilding that he moved his family to America just to access better workout equipment. Over ten years, he worked out twice a day to achieve his goal of having the largest biceps in the world. And he succeeded—each of his biceps measures an astounding 31 inches in circumference, about as big as an adult male’s waist. Earlier this year, he was officially awarded the Guinness World Record title and joked that his arms might be bigger than Popeye’s!
**Eamonn Keane – The Most Weight Lifted by Dumbbell Rows in One Hour**
Irishman Eamonn Keane not only holds the record for lifting the most weight in one hour (72,157 pounds) but also was the first to complete the Guinness World Record Superhuman Strength Challenge, also known as “The Big 5,” in 2010. This challenge includes grueling one-hour sessions of bench press, barbell squat, deadlift, military press, and incline dumbbell flyes. Keane, a seasoned powerlifter with multiple Ironman Power Championships wins, spent years preparing for this challenge. His hard work paid off, earning him a permanent spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
**If They Can Do It…**
So can you! Find a bodybuilding world record you believe you can break or set and dedicate yourself to the task. If you ever feel discouraged, remember these wise words from accomplished individuals:
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” – Colin Powell
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.” – Tommy Lasorda
“Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso